HAZARD, Ky. — Cars started to show up Monday at Appalachian Regional Healthcare’s flood relief community distribution center in Hazard.
Located in the city’s old JCPenney building, the center has served a hub for distributing supplies to those in need since its creation after the catastrophic floods in 2022.
Last year, its staff assisted in getting supplies to hurricane victims in North Carolina. This week, staff and volunteers are helping their neighbors once again.
Over the weekend, flooding affected several eastern Kentucky counties, including Perry. As of Tuesday, at least 14 people have died from the storms.
According to the city of Hazard, hundreds of homes are still without water and a county-wide boil order remains in effect.
“We’ve had over 50 employees that (have) been affected just here," said Brian Springate, community CEO of ARH Hazard Regional Medical Center. "So you can imagine, if I have 50 employees at this business, there are businesses all over, and everyone's been affected."
As cars parked outside the former department store, they were greeted by people like Bud Farler, who has been a volunteer since 2022.
“Well, I just started back yesterday, but it's been a few years actually off and on,” Farler said.
Each car is given two cases of water and a box of food while supplies last. Staff said they're hopeful more water is on the way after already giving away several pallets worth.
“I want to be a help to people, and God’s blessed me with health," Farler said. "I'm 71 years old, and He blessed me with the health and ability to get out and do it. As long as He does, I’m going to get out and do it."
People in Hazard are encouraged to go to the relief center if they’re in need of supplies. It is located at 278 Black Gold Blvd. People are encouraged to drop off donations there as well.