2 days ago
Local businesses, organizations come together to host tornado relief event
Several local businesses and organizations came together at the Laurel-London Optimist Club June 1 to provide free items to tornado-affected residents of Laurel County.
The "London Community Tornado Relief Event" was made possible by David Byrd of All American Events, Melanie Hester of American Scrub Company and Kaitlyn Floyd on her own behalf.
Hester said the goal of the event was to "bring joy to the kids and families in the community."
"With all the heartbreak right now, I just think this is so needed," Floyd added.
At her booth, Floyd sold t-shirts made by Harlan-based business Shirt Shack Screen Printing. Funds raised by the t-shirt sales will go toward supporting families impacted by the May 16 tornado. Floyd said Martin's Peterbilt is matching the amount raised, doubling the profit. Raffles additionally took place with donations from businesses in the community.
Also among those hosting booths were Hoss Auto Sales and Family Health Care Associates who collaborated to provide an array of items needed by those affected at this time including tarps, toiletries, basic hygiene products, snacks, beverages, and pet food. Working the booth were Vanessa Watson and Faith Vaught with Family Health Care Associates, as well as Steve and Kaylee Watson with the auto shop.
Alesha Staley was present on behalf of Second Mile Behavioral Health to send the message that their therapists can help tornado survivors with the trauma they may have from the recent storm.
"Our therapists stay pretty booked but when the tornado hit and we knew there would likely be an increase in needs, they started opening up more availability," said Staley.
Reach the mental health service at (606) 657-5504.
Southern Sips & Sweets, Kendra's Shaved Ice, and the Mom and Daughter Shop provided cool treats on the warm day.
While the Mom and Daughter Shop no longer has a home, owner BJ Cromer is selling ice-cream to raise funds for her grandson, Liam Brown, who has cancer. At the event however, Cromer gave out free ice cream while accepting donations toward Liam.
Additional booths included the North Laurel Middle School's girls basketball team, the U.S. Army, McDonald's, Love at First Bite, Somerset Community College, and Senture.
Children at the event gravitated to the inflatables provided by All American Events, a local service ran by Byrd and Austin Schaser which handles inflatable rentals.
Us and Sometimes Joe, a band made up of London natives, also performed as community members visited booths.
The event served as a testament to the community's resilience.
