The residents of western Kentucky are recovering from a series of devastating tornadoes. Lexington is stepping up to help our neighbors.
Federal, state and local governments, including Lexington, immediately mobilized emergency support efforts. Mayor Linda Gorton authorized firefighters, police officers and emergency management personnel to assist with security, search and rescue, and peer support.
The Mayor has also connected with Governor Andy Beshear, the Mayors of Mayfield and Bowling Green, and the Hopkins County Judge-Executive, to offer our assistance.
Residents can help, as well. This page provides ways to help those who have lost so much due to these storms. Whether it is a monetary gift, supplies or a blood donation, everything helps. Many areas hit by these powerful storms have lost their infrastructure and the ability to support basic needs.
Lexington donation center
At this time, the most affected areas in western Kentucky do not currently have large storage facilities for donated items. Locations in western Kentucky are asking for the specific items below.
The city has set up a local donation management center to accept these specific items. Items will be stored and transported to affected areas as needed.
Donation drop-off locations
Consolidated Baptist Church (1625 Russell Cave Road)
- Open noon – 6 p.m., December 15 – 17
- Open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., December 18
Only the items on this list will be accepted. All items should be new and unopened.
- Large plastic storage containers with lids
- Large trash bags
- Flashlights with new batteries
- LED Lanterns
- Gas cans (new, empty cans only)
- Pull-ups for children
- Horse feed
- New space heaters
- New kerosene heaters
Additionally, the City donation management center will also accept new, unwrapped toys as part of First Lady Britainy Beshear's Western Kentucky Toy Drive. This toy drive goes through Saturday, December 18. Additional locations are accepting these toys across the state. Learn more about the locations.
- All items should be new, unwrapped and in their original packaging. The toy drive is accepting:
- Toys
- Books
- Electronics for children
- $25 VISA or Mastercard gift cards
Other ways to help
Relief and recovery from the storms in western Kentucky will take time. There are immediate needs, but there will also be long-term needs. Please consider one of the options below to help our fellow Kentuckians.
Blood supply will be important for the region. Consider making a blood donation to the Kentucky Blood Center.
If you are able, please consider financial donations to the following:
Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund