On December 10, a devastating wave of tornados and severe storms hit a large swath of the Mississippi and Ohio River valleys, including Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri, Kentucky and the southern edge of Illinois and Indiana. Western Kentucky was particularly hard hit, and the full effect of the weather event on families and communities is still being assessed.
Our hearts go out to the families and communities in the multi-state region hit by these storms. While we cannot stop severe weather, we can offer others our support in times of need. Aspen CSG has gathered a targeted list of local resources and organizations aiding relief and recovery:
- Local and regional community foundations are on the frontline for immediate disaster relief as well as longer-term recovery. If you are inclined to make a donation, consider supporting the philanthropic efforts of the Western Kentucky Community Foundation and the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
- A new blog from the Union of Concerned Scientists shares links to additional on-the-ground donation sites in Kentucky as well as mental health and disaster assistance resources.
- Appalachians for Appalachia has gathered a mutual aid and giving list with many different places to send donations, focused on Western Kentucky.
- An equity-focused coalition is gathering donations for Kentuckians who may otherwise be neglected by other relief efforts, particularly Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Refugee, Immigrant, and poor and working class Kentuckians.
- The following Community Action Agencies have started funds to support relief and recovery efforts: Western Kentucky Allied Services, Community Action of Southern Kentucky and Pennyrile Allied Community Services.
