BARDSTOWN, Ky. — From one side of the state to the other, a family in Nelson County is helping families 250 miles away in Martin County.
Their cause is to donate clean water and food to the eastern Kentucky region.
What You Need To Know
- A Nelson County family collected food and water
- The family's collection will help serve 400 families in Martin County
- Martin County often experiences poor water quality
- In 2000, a coal slurry accident caused black waste to ooze into the rivers in Martin County
Alisha Johnson and her husband Travis planned logistics at their Bardstown home and discussed a game plan.
“On the water note, we've got to get a pallet, or get the pallets, stack it up and wrap it in the truck, because it can't be unloaded without a bobcat. So we got to wrap it in the truck, that's gonna be interesting,” Alisha said to her husband.
One side of their garage is filled with all types of drinking water.
“We have banana boxes full of water jugs,” Alisha said.
The bottled water case count easily reached 1,000, and the gallons close to 200.
“On the left side, we have boxes of cereal. Tons of canned goods, oatmeal, ramen noodles, peanut butter. Pretty much anything non-perishable we have,” Alisha said.
The Johnson's said their collection started earlier this year.
"On the way back, my wife was driving. I was sitting there pondering about what else we can do, you know, where else can we help out,” Travis said.
The family was returning home after helping those affected by the flood in February. With their mission in mind to help others, they began another cause.
“So, started with some research and came across Martin County, Kentucky, you know, which was a big ordeal about the 2000 coal slurry spill they had there and contaminated everything, and they're still having issues with that, and then also their issue with outdated water system that they have,” Travis said.
It hasn’t always been easy for the couple. For several years, Alisha did what any mother would do trying to make ends meet.
“I pretty much let him eat what we had in our cabinets, and I didn't eat. so this to me, it's kind of emotional I needed help, but I was, I had too much pride. I didn't want to ask for help. So they're not asking, we're just giving, and I feel like it will help them,” Alisha said.
Their actions not only help others but become a teaching lesson to their boys who really helped drive the collection.
“That melts your heart when your kids do that. You realize you’ve done a great job being a father when your kids do that,” Travis said.
The Johnson’s said their collection will help at least 400 families in Martin County.