How you can help Kentucky rebuild after deadly tornadoes
At least 85 people were killed after deadly tornadoes tore through the South and Midwest.
Dozens of people remained unaccounted for on Sunday and hundreds of thousands of people are without power.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said that this tornado outbreak was likely one of the largest in history and described the devastation as worse than a war zone.
During moments of tragedy, Americans often come together to help each other. Here are ways you can donate your money, blood -- or even volunteer on the ground.
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}Donate money to a local organization
- Gov. Beshear established the Team Western Kentucky Relief Fund to help those impacted by the severe weather system on Saturday. People are welcome to make a tax-deductible donation online.
- The Western Kentucky Red Cross Diaster Relief Fundraiser is donating money to help people with food and housing. So far, the relief fund has raised more than $145,000. People looking to help can make a donation on the fundraiser's Facebook page.
- Two local clothing shops are selling t-shirts to support disaster relief efforts in western Kentucky. Kentucky Branded released a new T-shirt called "Pray for Kentucky" and Shop Local Kentucky created a "Kentucky Strong" shirt that people can purchase.
- The Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief is sending crews to help on the ground in western Kentucky and is accepting donations to help them.
- United Way of Kentucky said monetary donations are needed to help with long-term recovery efforts for western Kentucky.
- Former baseball player from the University of Kentucky is raising money with support from the Blue Grass Community Foundation.
- Louisville Food Trucks is banding together to help provide residents and first responders in Mayfield with hot meals. To donate, go to the Food Truck GoFundMe.
Donate blood for trauma victims
The Blood Connection of Raleigh sent extra blood units to Nashville to help immediate trauma victims, according to a post on their Facebook page. The organization is encouraging Raleigh residents to donate blood to help those in need in western Kentucky.
The American Red Cross has already provided more than 160 blood products to local hospitals affected by the severe weather. Red Cross has already been experiencing a "dangerously low" amount of blood donations since the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization asking that anyone who can donate blood do so.
A spokesperson for the regional chapter of the American Red Cross told WRAL news that they would not be sending blood units to Kentucky at this time, but "that could change quickly."
On the ground: Volunteer your time
Western Kentucky is around an 8 to 10 hour drive from the Triangle. If you're looking to volunteer your time, here's who to reach out to.
- If you are looking to volunteer, reach out to the Kentucky Emergency Management Volunteer Coordinator at 502-607-5742. Jim Garrett can help individuals partner with local nonprofits and churches who are on the ground assessing community needs.
- Sign up to be notified about volunteer opportunities from Samaritans' Purse. Teams from North Carolina are currently assessing damage in western Kentucky. When volunteers are needed, Samaritan's Purse will send a text or email out.
- Apply to be a volunteer through Red Cross to help with disaster relief. The American Red Cross of Eastern North Carolina is sending two volunteers to western Kentucky at this time -- one from Person County and another from New Hanover.
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