MATTAPOISETT, MASS. (WHDH) - Donations and volunteers are in heavy demand in Kentucky, where a group from Massachusetts has been helping those affected by recent deadly floods.
All Hands and Hearts (AHAH), based in Mattapoisett, said it has been working with locals to hand out critical supplies and clear debris after storms in the eastern part of the state killed at least 37 people and left over 1,300 in need of rescue.
“A lot of people here have really lost everything, so the recovery here is going to be measured in months and years, not days and weeks,” said Jess Thompson, the group’s CEO. “We have seen people come through the distribution center in their slippers and nightwear because that’s what they were wearing when they had to flee their homes.”
Hundreds of people are still unaccounted for, according to Governor Andy Beshear (D), with search and rescue operations still underway after flash-flooding swept through five different counties last week.
In a press release, AHAH said it has been able to prepare more than 200 meals per day for victims of the storm and the Kentucky National Guard, as well as help clear downed trees and remove muck and mold from buildings in the area.
“We also have teams in the field going to help those homeowners to clear out and clean up the flooded homes, to pull out the possessions and things like that, that were damaged,” Thompson said.
As they continue their work, which also involves handing out water and hygiene supplies, the group has put out a call for additional volunteers on the ground to help with the recovery.
Donations are also appreciated as the group continues its work in Kentucky and its mission in general, as the AHAH responds to disasters across the globe, according to its website.
Those interested in volunteering are asked to click here, while those looking to make a donation can do so at the link provided here.
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