Lexingtonians are already looking for ways to help as winter flooding continues to cause chaos throughout the Commonwealth. Whether you are hoping to support a good cause or give directly to those in need, here’s how you can make a difference.
Donate supplies
A lot of businesses around Lexington have set up collections for supplies that will be sent to Eastern Kentucky to support flood relief efforts.
- Morton James | Donations accepted through TBD | Items requested include: water, cleaning supplies, new bedding, and baby items
- Appalachian Regional Healthcare | Donations accepted through TBD | Items requested: Baby care items, new sleeping bags, coats, gloves, and recovery supplies like shovels, buckets, and fans
- J&H Outdoors | Donations accepted through Thursday, Feb. 27 | Cereal, non-perishable canned goods, personal hygiene products, and clean up supplies like sponges, mops, brooms, and trashbags.
- Doodle’s | Donations accepted through Sunday, Feb. 23 | Items requested: Diapers, baby wipes, bottled water, feminine hygiene products, pet food + crates. Bonus: 10% of sales from this weekend will be donated to relief efforts in the area.
- The Burl | Donations accepted through Sunday, Feb. 23 | Items requested include: Towels, mops, buckets, nitrile gloves, pillows, blankets, and sleeping bags. Bonus: $1 per ticket sold for this weekends’ show will be donated to EKY Mutual Aid.
- Lexington Pet Pantry is requesting pet-lovers buy from its wishlist to support animal shelters impacted by flooding.
- UK’s Campus | Donations accepted through Thursday, Feb. 27 | Items requested: Non-perishable food, bottled + jugs of water, personal hygiene products, and pet and baby supplies.
Monetary donations can be made directly to EKY Mutual Aid and the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund.
Ongoing efforts
God’s Pantry Food Bank has activated its Disaster Response Protocol, working directly with organizations such as Feeding Kentucky and the Bluegrass chapter of the Red Cross to bring relief to those affected by winter flooding. Besides donations, there are many ways to take action with God’s Pantry.
Two regional clothing brands are donating the proceeds of t-shirt sales to support recovery work long after the floodwaters fade.
- New Frontier is donating proceeds from sales of its Kentucky Strong apparel to provide flood victims with clothing and resources
- The Kentucky Shop is donating 100% of sales from the “Y’all be sure to check on your Kentucky friends” t-shirt to the Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund
Are you aware of an organization currently accepting donations or raising funds? Let us know and keep this page bookmarked as we update it.
Success stories
Over and over again, Lexington proves that when times get tough, LEX gets going. Let’s take a look at just some of the ways we’ve come together to support our fellow Kentuckians.
FoodChain reported an outpouring of support from businesses and residents during a recent donation drive. Here’s the story of many hands making light work:
- Victory Baptist Church of Knott County provided a trailer + brought with them four pallets of food.
- God’s Pantry Food Bank gave the gift of fresh fruit + veggies, including potatoes, strawberries, onions, and grapefruit.
- Chefs Ouita Michel and Agnes Marrero turned donated bread, peanut butter, cheese + lunchmeat into sandwiches that were paired with soup from Nourished Folks.
- Volunteers from West Sixth Brewing helped load the trailer.
- Finally, members of the Kentucky Black Farmers Association drove the donations to the Community Agricultural Nutritional Enterprises Kitchen in Whitesburg, KY.
- The result? Eight pallets of food + “grab and go items” in the hands of those who need them.
For those seeking shelter
Kentucky State Parks are offering lodging to anyone displaced by the recent inclement weather. Flood victims can report to the following parks:
- Jenny Wiley State Resort Park
- Natural Bridge State Resort Park
- Pine Mountain State Resort Park
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park was also offering shelter to those in need, but lost electrical and sewage service earlier this week. Visit Kentucky State Parks website for up-to-date flood impact information.
