Monday, July 27, 2015

How can I help?

When disaster strikes human compassion kicks in, closets and cupboards are emptied. We all want to do our part to help those in desperate need. Most organizations who offer disaster relief will publish guidelines on what to donate. The Red Cross wants money, and your blood. Local charities will have varying guidelines for what to donate. I personally believe donating on a small community level is often better than donating to a big charity. While the Red Cross is helping with the local flood, the bulk of the charity work is being done by local organizations. A local homemaker society is feeding hundreds of people a day, local fire departments have set up shower stations, and our local Johnson County Long-Term Recovery Group has been working hard to ensure the needs of everyone has been met. Check with your local charities to see what the need is, and how you can help meet that need. Here is a list of some of the items, outside of the commonly donated clothes, water, and food, that local charities have found themselves in need of during this most recent disaster.

Laundry detergent
Large adult diapers
Child size Diapers
Feminine hygiene products (probably bone of the least donated items)
Towels
Razors
Plastic totes
Bug spray (especially important during water disasters)
Garbage cans
Heavy duty Garbage bags
Shovels
Wheelbarrows
Extension cords
Brooms
mops
Bleach
Paper plates/cups/utensils
Money

East Kentucky is blessed with an over abundance of talented musicians. The local boys who make up country music duo Sundy Best hosted a free concert that drew thousands of people and raised $50,000 to help flood victims.