LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The water may have receded but the effects of the flooding in Eastern Kentucky will be long-lasting. Tonya Steyn knows many families in Lee, Powell, and Clay Counties, and elsewhere are still absorbing the damage. 

What You Need To Know

  • SOS International in Louisville is collecting supplies for flood ravaged areas of Kentucky

  • The group is hoping to have as much as possible collected by Friday

  • Shovels, buckets, dishsoap and other items are desperately needed

“You’re overwhelmed to begin with and you’re trying to figure out where to start," Steyn told Spectrum News 1.

She is the volunteer coordinator at SOS International in Louisville. The non-profit has a global reach sending unused surplus medical supplies often to developing countries and places going through a crisis. This week Steyn is also collecting supplies to help families clean up after flooding impacted thousands of Kentuckians. The flooding was so severe in Estill County the Kentucky River was 20 feet above the flood stage and broke river level records set in 1939. 

“Dawn dishwashing soap is what’s been requested by the people there, five-gallon buckets, bleach, sponges, scrubbers, rags.” Steyn is asking for as much as possible to be delivered to their warehouse by Friday morning.

“We still need shovels, more buckets, more cleaning supplies, more gloves, a little bit more of everything. We would love to have a truckload.” The flooding hit home for Steyn because she's from Clay County originally and says she personally knows people affected by the recent flash flooding. 

“It’s like watching your home go under," Steyn said. “And I had to do something and I am blessed to work for a company that does something like this. If you'd like to help supplies can be dropped off at 1500 Arlington Avenue in Louisville's Irish Hill neighborhood. 

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