"I have had numerous individuals ask me if there was anything that we could do to assist those victims in east Kentucky that were in the tornadoes," he said.
Some of the areas affected by the twisters and damaging straight-line winds are more than 300 miles away from Marion. However, those local residents wanting to help out their fellow Kentuckians have several options for monetary donations, which are most practical for those not living near the area.
Gateway Area Development District
A tornado victim's relief fund has been established by GADD at the Commercial Bank of West Liberty, one of the cities hardest hit by the tornadoes. Tax deductible donations may be sent to:
Morgan County Tornado Relief Fund, c/o Gateway Area Development District, 110 Lake Park Dr., Morehead, KY 40351
You may also call 1-800-862-0526 for additional information.
Menifee County Tornado Victims Relief
To aid residents of the eastern Kentucky County, monetary donations to the Menifee County Tornado Victims Relief Fund can be sent to: Traditional Bank, 114 Main St., Frenchburg, KY 40322.
Kenton County Relief Fund
The storms that ripped through southern Kenton County last Friday killed four people, completely destroyed 88 homes, rendered 257 homes uninhabitable and damaged numerous other homes. Kenton County is the third most populous county in the commonwealth. Contributions made out to Kenton County Relief Fund can be sent to Huntington Bank at: Kenton County Relief Fund, c/o Covington Banking Office, 540 Madison Ave., Covington, KY 41012.
You may call Kenton County Judge-Executive Steve Arlinghaus' office at (859) 392-1415 for additional information.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army also is accepting monetary donations:
- You may donate $10 by texting the word STORM to 80888.
- You may make a contribution at Salvationarmyusa.org.
- Checks may be mailed to: The Salvation Army Tornado Relief Fund, 736 W. Main St., Lexington, KY 40508.
Blue Grass Community Foundation
The Blue Grass Community Foundation has established the Eastern Kentucky Tornado Rebuilding Fund to support long-term rebuilding efforts in eastern Kentucky counties declared federal disaster areas. Grants from the fund will be overseen by committees made up of local residents in affected counties.
Donors may give generally to the rebuilding effort or specify which county or counties among those declared federal disaster areas they would like their gift to benefit.
To make a tax-deductible contribution, go to BGCF.org and click on the Eastern Kentucky Tornado Rebuilding Fund button. Or send a check to: Eastern Kentucky Tornado Rebuilding Fund, 250 W. Main St., Ste. 1220, Lexington KY 40507.
American Red Cross
Today, as the University of Kentucky men's basketball team began play in the SEC tournament, the American Red Cross and several partners started hosting a Kentucky Cares tornado-relief phone bank. Until 6 p.m., local time today, volunteers will answer phones to take donations. Coach Matthew Mitchell and members of the UK women's team, Coach Donnie Tyndall and members of the Morehead State University men's basketball team, and Coach Brian Lane and members of the Transylvania University basketball team also will answer phones.
The Kentucky Cares Campaign was set up to assist people affected by last Friday's storms.
Those who wish to give to the fund may use one of these options:
- Text Redcross to 90999.
- Go to Redcross.org and give to the Disaster Relief Fund.
- Mail a check to 1450 Newtown Pike, Lexington, KY 40511, with Kentucky Cares in the memo line.
Kentucky Cattlemen's Association
In the wake of the terrible storms that ravaged farms across the Commonwealth, Agriculture Commissioner James Comer commended the efforts of the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation for raising funds and assistance from farm supply companies to aid in the disaster relief efforts. In just one day, the foundation raised more than $12,000 from agriculture companies and individual farmers. This money was used to purchase fencing and other farm materials desperately needed to rebuild cattle farms affected by deadly tornadoes last week.
“These tornados have affected so many of our neighbors and fellow cattle producers and we just want to do anything that we can to help,” stated KCA President Mike Bach.
Those interested in donating to relief efforts coordinated by the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation can donate online at www.kycattle.org or mail a check to the office at KCF Disaster Relief Fund, 176 Pasadena Dr., Lexington, KY 40503.
For questions or more information call the office at (859) 278-0899.
