Eastern Kentucky Floods — How you can help
By Jamie Asaraf
Beginning the evening of July 27th, flash floods tore through many countries throughout Eastern Kentucky. The death toll has risen to 30 with the fear that it is not stopping there. As Kentucky braces for more rain and more floods, the citizens are relying on donations and volunteers to help them get through these grim times.
The total damage that the floods are creating won’t be able to be completely assessed for a good amount of time. However, there are ways that you can help in the meantime. We’ve gathered some resources that you can consider donating to or volunteering with to help the people of Kentucky.
GoFundMe
You can find verified GoFundMe campaigns that are raising money for the victims in Eastern Kentucky. Some campaigns are raising money for the victims while others are trying to raise money to clean up their cities and towns.
Red Cross
Red Cross is ensuring that there are open shelters for victims to flee to with over 30 overnight shelter stays while providing over 1,000 meals and snacks with partners. You can donate to the Kentucky Red Cross to make sure that this food, water, and shelter supply does not run out.
Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky
The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky announced through Twitter that it would be accepting donations through its Crisis Aid Fund. If you’re wondering where you can donate to and have your money go a long way, former UN Ambassador Kelly Craft and husband Joe Craft, a native of Hazard, Kentucky, have pledged to match donations to the foundation up to $1 million.
University of Kentucky
University of Kentucky’s President, Eli Capilouto, sent out a campuswide message on July 29th with a link to the school’s Basic Need and Persistence Fund, as well as their Crisis Program Gift Fund. Their goal is to help students affected by the flood.
Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund
Governor Beshear established the Flood Relief Fund to assist those affected by the floods that began on July 26th, 2022. You can donate directly on the site or you can mail in a donation that will be received by the Kentucky State Treasurer.
Donation Drop-Off Locations
State Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Ryan Quarles released a statement on July 28th stating that they would open all their Frankfort offices for donations through August 5th. Donation requests include toiletries, non-perishable goods, and bottled water. The donations can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays at 105 Corporate Drive, Suite A, Frankfort, KY 40601.