5 Ways To Directly Help Kentucky Tornado Victims

CHARLOTTE, NC — Kentucky is reeling after a swath of deadly tornadoes swept through the state over the weekend and killed dozens of people, destroying thousands of homes and businesses. Here are some direct ways to help storm victims that are verified and safe to donate to.

1. American Red Cross. The Western Kentucky Chapter of the American Red Cross serves many of the counties affected. The American Red Cross is making it easy to send a quick $10 donation simply by texting “REDCROSS" addressed to the number, 90999. Other donations can be made by calling 800-733-2767 or visiting redcross.org online. Other information, including suggestions on how to find someone affected by the storm, can be found here. The Red Cross is also in need of blood donations for victims.
2. Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund. Gov. Andy Beshear established the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund to assist those impacted by the tornadoes and the severe weather system late Friday and early Saturday. All donations to the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund are tax-deductible, and donors will receive a receipt for tax purposes after donating. Visit their website here.
3. The Salvation Army. The Salvation Army has set up a disaster relief fund for tornado victims. Donations can be made here.
4. Samaritan's Purse. Samaritan Purse is a humanitarian group. The organization sent disaster response teams to Mayfield, Kentucky, and Monette, Arkansas, while other teams started to head to the devastation in Tennessee and Illinois. A tractor-trailer stocked with tools and equipment departed from Texas, according to the group, with more help on the way from North Carolina soon. Donations can be made here.
5. United Way. United Way of Kentucky has set up a Disaster Recovery Fund to support Kentucky communities in need. By using the link, the organization says 100 percent of funds received by UWKY will go directly to the recovery efforts in affected communities.
   Gifts can be made by visiting uwky.org/tornado.

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These resources reached out to me after I published the initial list.

• Team Rubicon USA: Team Rubicon is a nonprofit that utilizes the skills and experiences of military veterans and first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams. They are setting up a base of operations in light of the tornados and are continuing to clear roadways to restore access in Benton, Mayfield. Donations can be made HERE.
• World Central Kitchen: World Central Kitchen is on the ground in the central and southern US to provide fresh meals for communities recovering from the tornadoes. Donations can be made HERE and will support WCK’s Climate Disaster Fund – a critical resource that is helping the organization to urgently respond to this climate-related event.