Thurs., July 28, 2022, Eastern Kentucky was hit by a devastating flash flood. Governor Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency across the entire state in order to request federal help.
In his press conference, the governor said that the Kentucky River rose 12 feet in 12 hours + that more rain is expected tonight.
While we aren’t in the business of reporting on bad news, we’re all about helping out our fellow Kentuckians when they’re in need. Here’s a rundown of what we know, and how you can help out.
- Team Eastern Kentucky Relief Fund | Governor Andy Beshear has established this fund so that Kentuckians across the Commonwealth can donate financially to those in need. The money raised will be used to help families affected by the flooding.
- New Frontier | This Eastern Kentucky-based clothing brand has designed a t-shirt that reads “Eastern Kentucky Strong.” All proceeds from this shirt will go directly to aid flood victims in Eastern Kentucky. They’ve partnered with Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky to make sure that the funds go towards water, food, clothing, and housing.
- Call your family | With more rain expected, water levels are going to continue to rise. If you have family that lives in an area affected by this flooding, let them know that you have a bed, couch, or dry space to stay.
This story is still developing. The Lexington Fire Department has been sent to Eastern Kentucky to aid in relief efforts. Crews on the ground are still trying to determine the best way to get relief items delivered to those in need. As we hear about more local donation options + volunteer efforts, we’ll keep you informed.
Where + what to donate locally
Pivot Brewing, 1400 Delaware Ave. | Heavy-duty trash bags, cleaning supplies, and clothing for all ages + genders
Appalachian Regional Healthcare, 2260 Executive Dr. | Cleaning supplies, pillows, blankets, personal hygiene items, clothing for all ages + genders, water, flashlights, batteries, and more.
FoodChain Lexington, 501 W. Sixth St., Ste. #105 | Large trash bags, take-out boxes, plastic utensils, paper towels, Clorox wipes, aluminum pans with lids, five-gallon water jugs
Cathedral of Christ the King, 299 Colony Blvd. (Wednesday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.) + Lexington Mini Storage Hamburg, 2081 Bryan Rd. (Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.) | Shop towels, cleaning supplies, buckets, mops, flat shovels, baby supplies, garbage cans, rubber gloves, flashlights, batteries, bleach
House by JSD, 1148 Industry Rd. | Pet crates, pet collars and leashes, senior adult care items, baby care items, bungee cords, tarps, buckets, underwear, and socks
Christian Appalachian Project, 2528 Palumbo Dr. | Bottled water, cleaning supplies, Dawn dish soap, shovels, five-gallon buckets, bleach, scrub brushes, cleaning towels, household cleaners, disinfectant soap, dust masks, gloves, and garbage bags.
Bluegrass Barkery, 152 W. Tiverton Way + 162 Old Todds Rd | Sports drinks, water, personal hygiene products, cleaning supplies, first aid supplies, animal supplies, and more
Quantrell Subaru, 1450 E. New Circle Rd. | Diapers, formula, baby bottles, PPE items such as rubber gloves, mops, brooms, Lysol, bleach, cases of water, and snacks such as granola bars, fruit snacks
Manchester Coffee Co., 903 Manchester St., Suite 180, 576 E. 3rd St., Suite 110 | Garbage bags, bottled water, non-perishable food items, clothing (new/gently used), cleaning supplies + baby supplies.
Morton James, 122 Marion, Suite 110 | Garbage bags, bottled water, non-perishable food items, clothing (new/gently used), cleaning supplies + baby supplies.
Sew-A-Lot, 2160 Sir Barton Way, Suite 148 | Bottled water, no perishable food items, cleaning supplies, diapers, formula + baby food.
DV8 Kitchen, 594 E. Third St., #100, 867 S. Broadway, #140 | Selling the Appalachian Sandwich at both locations for $11. All proceeds going to donate to Addiction Recovery Care’s Spring Hill in Letcher Co. Call or email to make an additional donation.
The Olive Branch, 327 E. Main St., Wilmore | Garbage bags, cleaning supplies, bottled water, non-perishable food items, baby necessities, pet supplies.
The Local Confectionary, 325 E. Main St., Wilmore | Garbage bags, cleaning supplies, bottled water, non-perishable food items, baby necessities, pet supplies.