Helene’s destructive path wreaked havoc in states across the southeast as the Category 4 hurricane brought heavy rains, strong winds and flooding to state like Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Kentucky.
Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., said Kentucky was fortunate to be dealing with power outages as the major problem in the state, and that no injuries or deaths had been reported. Power outages were up to over 200,000 at their peak, impacting states across the eastern, northern and central parts of the state. Outages are down to just over 19,000 as of Monday morning.
For those wanting to give aid in Kentucky or to other harder hit areas, here are some ways you can help.
Black Soil Charitable Fund in Lexington is offering free produce Monday through Wednesday for those who need to replenish their fridges after losing power. It will be distributing produce from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 820 Lane Allen Road Suite 176, Lexington, KY 40504.
Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief, part of the Kentucky Baptist Convention, is accepting donations to support their recovery efforts. A KYDR team is on the ground in Valdosta, Georgia, helping those affected.
The organization is also coordinating efforts from churches. It is collected donations of gifts cards to Lowe’s, Home Depot, Visa, Tractor Supply and Walmart. The gift cards will be used to help homeowners facing flood damage. It is also collected written notes of encouragement to disaster relief volunteers.
Both items can be sent to the Kentucky Baptist Convention, attention Disaster Relief, 13420 Eastpoint Centre Dr., Louisville, KY 40223.
Donations can also be made online to KYDR.
The Salvation Army, Kentucky/Tennessee Division is collecting donations to help flood survivors in east Tennessee. The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services team is on the ground, providing hot meals, drinks, snacks and emotional and spiritual care to flood survivors. It says 100% of donations will directly support disaster relief efforts. Donations can be made online.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief is collecting funds for its disaster response and recovery teams. UMCOR says it provides training, financial assistance, expertise and community collaboration to churches and partner organizations when responding to a disaster. Donations can be made online.
The Appalachia Funders Network has started an Appalachian Helene Response Fund. Donations will go directly to areas of greatest need. Donations can be made online.
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