Across the city, there are different ways to donate to those who were impacted by the tornado Friday night. As Gov. Andy Beshear and President Joe Biden both placed the state under an emergency declaration to help raise funds for those affected, there are numerous ways to give either monetarily or through item donations.
Starting with the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund created by the Governor, he said the funds will go directly to those on the ground and the efforts to rebuild the communities in Western Kentucky.
Mayfield/Graves County Chamber of Commerce has set up a GoFundMe which has raised almost $15,000 at this time. The funds raised will be managed and distributed by the Mayfield/Graves County United Way.
On the local level, Haley-McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory will be parking at Walmart on KY 54 today starting at 10 a.m. today accepting donations of water, diapers, non-perishable items, coats, clothes and more.
The truck will be delivering materials to both Mayfield and Bremen.
For any questions for the funeral home, contact 270-684-9891.
Pure Barre Owensboro is also taking donations of toiletries and toys at their store. Annie McCrary, owner of the Owensboro location, said she wanted to get involved once she woke up Saturday morning.
“After thankfully waking up this morning in a warm loving home, knowing many weren’t as lucky as myself, I knew I had to do something to help,” McCrary said.
That morning she posted about the donation event and it quickly gained traction.
“We are blessed to live in such a giving community and pure barre has always strived to give back,” McCrary said.
The deadline for donations is Dec. 18. However, to guarantee delivery before Christmas, donations are needed before Dec. 15.
Several businesses are also taking percentages for purchased items and redirecting them to the efforts.
Niko’s Bakery and Deli in the Wesleyan Park Plaza announced that 10% of any Christmas preorders will go directly to a fund to the Kentucky Red Cross. For the order to go toward the fund, it will need to be placed by Tuesday.
Local artist M.porium used her passion to paint a tapestry of the Kentucky outline Saturday. While the tapestry is worth at least $65 she is also open to raising the price and sending the money to the fund. She also plans to make prints of the design, with all profits going to the rebuilding efforts.
Other organizations and businesses are opting to accept donations with no purchase. Windy Hollow Restaurant is accepting donations and will match up to $1,000 to donate to the Kentucky Red Cross.
“The best way to help is to donate money so agencies can do their great work. … Hallie and I will match up to $1,000 to give to KY Red Cross,” Windy Hollow Manager Evelyn Miller said.
Jackie Blue Handmade is accepting donations that will go directly to the people of Mayfield as well. She said a friend is accepting donations to help the cause through Venmo at kirbygreen12.
On Monday, AMR is doing a relief drive at 1101 Alsop Lane from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
They will accept Gatorade, candles, gloves, hygiene products and many more. For the full list and more information head to their Facebook post.
