When there is a natural, or national, catastrophe, many want to know how they can help those impacted.
There are organizations that are spearheading donation efforts after multi-state tornadoes decimated some areas Friday night.
Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund
Gov. Andy Beshear has started the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief fund. All donations are tax-deductible with donors receiving a receipt for tax purposes.
For information on how you can donate, visit the relief fund’s website.
Checks can be made out to the Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet, with “Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund” listed in the memo line.
The checks can be mailed to Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet, 200 metro Street, 5th Floor, Frankfort, KY 40622.
>>Related: Kentucky tornadoes: Governor says death toll includes children ages 3, 5
United Way
If you would like to give through the United Way, there are two locations that are accepting online donations.
The United Way network in Kentucky said it will give 100% of funds donated directly to recovery efforts.
As for the United Way network in Tennessee, there are three individual county campaigns that are pledging help in the recovery efforts after the storms:
You can also send checks to United Way of West Tennessee, 470 N. Parkway, Jackson, TN 38305.
>>Related: Severe weather impacts 5 states in South, Midwest: Here is what we know
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is taking donations in partnership with WLKY.
You can visit the Red Cross webpage to make a donation.
At the same time the Western Kentucky Red Cross has partnered with Facebook, which is paying all processing fees for donations, WLKY reported.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is taking donations. You can pledge your support at helpsalvationarmy.org and directly to the Salvation Army Western KY Disaster Relief Fundraiser through Facebook.
Team Rubicon USA
Team Rubicon USA, an organization that uses military veterans to deploy emergency response teams across the country and the world, is in Benton and Mayfield, Kentucky, to help clear roads, remove fallen trees and other debris. The organization is looking for volunteers to also help with expedited home repairs and residential debris removal.
Visit the organization’s volunteer page to lend a hand, or its donation page to send money.
World Central Kitchen
Chef José Andrés has traveled to Kentucky to help those who survived the storm. He and his team are providing hot meals to those who need them. Andres and his World Central Kitchen have answered dozens of calls across the world when disaster strikes, feeding those who are not only working the front lines, but those whose homes and properties have been wiped out. He also has gone to COVID-19 hotspots to feed medical workers.
Hey guys…Finally got signal again here in Kentucky. This is Mayfield, where the destruction is beyond anything you imagine. I am proud of our @WCKitchen teams bringing meals all over & identifying food needs. We will continue to serve in the days & weeks ahead! #ChefsForKentucky pic.twitter.com/gRJ4p6fbdU
— José Andrés (@chefjoseandres) December 13, 2021
In Dawson Springs, our team worked with Chef Cathy Lewis at Gather on Main and Cathy's Confections to prepare tasty lunch sandwiches using locally sourced & loved Newsom’s ham! 🥪 These lunches were delivered to families cleaning up following Friday’s tornadoes. #ChefsForKentucky pic.twitter.com/9w8gKUpbPj
— World Central Kitchen (@WCKitchen) December 13, 2021
To donate, visit World Central Kitchen. You can also volunteer through the group.
Rex Chapman Foundation
The former University of Kentucky basketball player is raising money through the Rex Chapman Foundation, which has partnered with the Blue Grass Community Foundation.
GoFund Me fundraisers
Various counties, individual cities, businesses and organizations have set up fundraisers through GoFundMe, including Clarksville, Indiana, food truck owners in Louisville and Muslim Americans for Compassion with Muslim Communities of Kentucky.
>>Related: Illinois tornado: Officials name 6 victims killed at Amazon facility
Kentucky Strong Shirts
Shop Local Kentucky is selling Kentucky Strong shirts to raise money for victims of the tornados. For more information and to place an order, visit the group’s website.
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