(WTVF) — As Tennessee and Kentucky continue to recover from devastating and deadly tornadoes over the weekend, several organizations are offering ways for the public to help.
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency launched a website for those affected by the storms across the state. You can access that information here.
If you're interested in volunteering in the cleanup efforts in Tennessee, visit the Tennessee Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters website for more information.
Kentucky
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced a "Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund" on Saturday to assist those impacted by deadly tornadoes that moved through Kentucky overnight Friday.
In a Saturday afternoon press conference, Beshear called the storm "the worst, most devastating tornado event in Kentucky history."
Beshear says President Biden has signed a Federal Disaster Declaration for areas hit by the storms.
If you would like to mail in a donation, you can make a check to Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet. In the memo line please note the donation is for the "Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund." Send check to Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet, 200 Mero Street, fifth Floor, Frankfort, KY 40622.
Additionally, Beshear encouraged people to give blood, and asked people to stay out of hard-hit areas and leave the roads clear for first responders.
Kentucky first lady Britainy Beshear announced an initiative to provide children in the impacted region with toys this Christmas. It will run from Tuesday through Saturday. More information on how to donate can be found here.
A GoFundMe page was created to support the Mayfield Graves Fire-Rescue Squad. The main fire station was wiped out by the tornado, taking most of their equipment with it. The fund aims to help the department restore its trucks, the building and the gear.
Community Foundation
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee has launched a fund to support nonprofit organizations that are assisting survivors in Middle Tennessee counties affected by the tornado outbreak.
At least nine tornadoes touched down in the region on December 10 and into December 11.
"At The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, we believe that if we CAN help we SHOULD help — and so for the past nearly 30 years, we have provided ways to make giving to disaster response easy for both the donor and the recipients," said Ellen Lehman, president of The Community Foundation.
Visit the Community Foundation's website for information on how to donate.
Kingston Springs
Mayor Tony Gross is trying to help residents put back the pieces in his town of Kingston Springs after an EF2 ripped through the area.
"Now that the initial shock is over it's time to start helping our neighbors put their lives back together," he said. "I have been asked by many what can be done, and I know that a lot of folks have wanted to volunteer to help out. I would like to invite all that are interested in helping their neighbors"
Cleanup efforts will start Monday at 10 a.m., with the meet-up point at 1120 Highway 70.
"It can be a place to leave excess vehicles and coordinate efforts to get people and resources where they are most needed," he said.
Additionally, Hunt Brothers Pizza will come out to make pizza for volunteers and storm victims. Gross said the Ark will also continue to help accept donations to help with the relief effort.
"This is the season of giving so let's all give what we can," Gross said.
