Downtown Mayfield, Kentucky, on Saturday, December 11, 2021. Credit: AP Photo/Mark Humphrey

Kentucky experienced one of the deadliest tornadoes in US history on December 11, 2021. Kentuckians are coming together to pool resources and build back stronger than before. View a list of resources and volunteer opportunities below.

These historic storms devastated a huge swath of our commonwealth throughout the night. Stories of incredible heroism emerged immediately: incarcerated people pulling their co-workers from the rubble in Mayfield, first responders traveling from all corners of the commonwealth to assist with search and rescue efforts, and neighbors helping neighbors who lost homes and businesses.

Kentuckians are resilient. Communities will build back stronger. However, many families are forever changed by these violent storms. We are holding all those who are mourning in our hearts.

SHELTER (in addition to Mayfield & South Warren Highschool):

  • Hopkins County: The Dawson Springs Baptist Temple on 4H Camp Road is open if anyone needs shelter. 
  • Muhlenberg County: If you or someone you know has been displaced from their home due to the catastrophic tornado that has hit the northern end of Muhlenberg County, call 1-855-891-7325 for assistance. 

DONATION SITES: 

  • Paducah
    • The Johnson Bar, 133 S. 3rd St., Paducah, KY 42001
    • Barrel & Bond, 100 Broadway St., Paducah, KY 42001 
  • Muhlenberg County
    • Helix Massage and Wellness, 110 W Everly Bros. Blvd., Central City, KY 42330
    • Hope 2 All Food Pantry, 307 W. Mose Rager Blvd., Drakesboro, KY 42337
  • Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund
    • Make a tax-deductible donation to a relief fund managed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. 100% of the proceeds will support people in need. Learn more and donate here.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: 

  • Greenville: Please meet with an official at the Bremen Fire Department at 51 College St. There will be plenty of assignments for volunteers, but please be orderly and coordinated, as they'll be doing a more thorough search of the widespread damage.
  • Kentucky Non-profit Network: Email Danielle Clore at Danielle@KYNonProfits.org
  • For non-profits offering assistance: If your nonprofit is providing services to those impacted, please share that information here. If your organization offers multiple services and/or has multiple needs, please complete a new survey for each. This will ensure information can be easily forwarded to the appropriate local officials/partners. 
  • For non-profits in need of assistance: If your nonprofit needs assistance to be able to get up and running to provide services (facility damage, debris removal, volunteers, etc.), please share that information here (this is a link for organizational assistance; it is not a place for individuals to request assistance).
  • View a list of resources assembled by Kentuckians For The Commonwealth here.
  • View a list of resources from the Commonwealth Alliance Voter Engagement and the Kentucky Civic Engagement Table here.

SUPPORT IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE COMMUNITIES IN THE BOWLING GREEN AREA:

It is often especially difficult for immigrants, refugees, and people whose first language is not English to receive government assistance and navigate the programs/applications for assistance. 

Refuge Bowling Green created the Monetary Donation Fund for Refugee/Immigrant Families Impacted by Tornado to help families get re-established and assist with purchasing supplies. Text "GIVE" to 1-502-230-9464 and follow the instructions in the reply. Choose "BG Tornado Donations Fund."


If you know of something else we should add, please email Communications@ACLU-KY.org.

Published 2:15PM, December, 11, 2021. Last updated 1:26PM Sunday, December 12, 2021.