Several school districts in Eastern Kentucky are collecting items for donation to storm relief efforts in the Western part of the state.
A disaster was declared in the Commonwealth Saturday after a string of tornadoes caused massive destruction in multiple communities, killing an estimated 50 Kentucky residents. President Joe Biden approved Governor Andy Beshear’s request for an immediate federal emergency declaration. A fund has been created by the state to help cover aid and rebuilding costs and over 300 Kentucky National Guard members have been deployed to assist affected communities.
Residents in Eastern Kentucky are wanting to assist with the rebuild as well, including several school districts. Allison Slone is a special education teacher at Rowan County Senior High School. She says what started as an effort by the Northern Kentucky Cooperative for Educational Services is now the “Stuff the Bus” campaign where each district is responsible for collecting various items.
Slone says while there are items listed to donate to the different school districts, she imagines they will not be picky if someone has other helpful items they would like to give.
People wanting to donate items in Rowan County can drop them off at McBrayer Elementary through Friday. Those who would prefer to make a monetary donation can do so here.