Want to help Kentucky residents impacted by deadly tornadoes? Here are ways to assist
After tornadoes and other severe storms devastated Kentucky on May 16 and 17, several organizations have opened disaster relief funds and volunteering opportunities for those willing to provide a helping hand.
In southeastern Kentucky, where at least 18 people are dead from the storms and others are displaced from their homes, volunteers can assist with debris cleanup and meal preparation. Donations are also being accepted.
Here's how you can help Kentuckians in the aftermath of the deadly storms.
The Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund established by Gov. Andy Beshear is accepting donations for those impacted by severe storms in 2025. All donations to the fund are tax-deductible, and donors will receive a receipt for tax purposes after donating.
Those interested in donating to the fund can do so online or by mail. If sending a check, include "Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund" in the memo line and mail to: Public Protection Cabinet, 500 Mero Street, 218 NC, Frankfort, KY 40601. Donate online at secure.kentucky.gov/formservices/Finance/stormrelief.
United Way of Laurel County's long-term disaster relief fund is the official fund for the City of London and Laurel County government, city officials stated in a Facebook post.
Those who are interested in donating to United Way's fund can do so online, by mail and in person at the London Community Center or any Community Trust Bank location. Checks can be made payable to United Way of Laurel County and can be mailed to PO Box 5004, London, KY 40743. In the memo line, write "Tornado Relief."
Donate online at gofundme.com/f/london-laurel-county-disaster-relief-fund.
Laurel County residents looking to receive United Way funds should apply in person at a disaster relief site, London city officials stated.
Members of the Salvation Army are providing hot meals, beverages, snacks, and emotional and spiritual care to Laurel and Pulaski residents impacted by the tornadoes, Eric Short, public information officer for the organization, stated in a news release.
A Danville-based mobile kitchen unit stationed in Somerset is providing meals to first responders and residents displaced due to the recent storms there, Short said. A truckload of food and catering supplies from Louisville was bound for London on May 18.
Short said the Salvation Army's emergency response services in southeastern Kentucky are made possible through public donations.
"Financial contributions are the most effective way to support disaster response, ensuring that resources can be quickly allocated to areas of greatest need," he said.
Donations to the Salvation Army can be made:
Online: give.helpsalvationarmy.org
By phone: 1-800-725-2769
By mail: Checks can be sent to: The Salvation ArmyPO Box 436437Louisville, Kentucky 40253Include "May 2025 KY Tornadoes" in the memo line
Samaritan's Purse, a Christian humanitarian aid organization, is deploying volunteers to Laurel County from May 19 through June 7, according to a job posting online. Volunteers are needed for debris cleanup, tree work and roof tarping, among other things.
Volunteers who are coming to stay in Laurel County overnight are expected to serve at least three days and can assist with recovery efforts for a maximum of two weeks, according to the post. The typical work schedule is Monday through Saturday, and limited work hours on Sundays may be needed.
Meals, tools and sleeping quarters are provided to overnight volunteers, though they will need to bring their own air mattress or cot, towels and personal hygiene items. Volunteers can serve one day only if they wish. They would need to select the "day" option on their application.
The base of operations for the disaster relief unit is at Calvary Baptist Church, 111 N. McWhorter St. in London, Kentucky.
More: At least 18 dead in Kentucky tornadoes. What we know as cleanup, storm surveys continue
Reach reporter Leo Bertucci at lbertucci@gannett.com or @leober2chee on X, formerly known as Twitter
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky tornadoes: How to help residents affected by storm damages
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