City Of Louisville: Mayor Announces Water Donation Drive, Other Ways That Louisvillians Can Help Those Impacted By Storms In Kentucky

Louisville KY

12 December, 2021

5:21 PM

Description

Press release from the City of Louisville: December 12, 2021 Call the LOU HEALTH helpline 502-912-8598. Responding to an outpouring of concern from Louisville residents about those impacted by the weekend storms and tornadoes in Western Kentucky, Mayor Greg Fischer today announced a water donation drive and other ways that Louisvillians can help – and are already helping Responding to an outpouring of concern from Louisville residents about those impacted by the weekend storms and tornadoes in Western Kentucky, Mayor Greg Fischer today announced a water donation drive and other ways that Louisvillians can help – and are already helping The Mayor first offered deepest condolences and sympathies for those throughout the state "who have been impacted by the almost unimaginable destruction of this weekend's tornadoes and storms." "You have our prayers, our support and our assurances that we are ready to help however we can," he said, adding that first responders from the Louisville Fire Department, Pleasure Ridge Park Fire Department and Louisville Emergency Services are already in Mayfield, helping in rescue and recovery efforts in a community that Gov. Andy Beshear has described as "ground zero" of the terrible tragedy. The Mayor added that he has reached out to the mayor of Mayfield to offer more help. "And already Louisville and Louisvillians are proving how much of a compassionate city we are with an outpouring of people and groups asking, 'how can I help?'" the Mayor said – including UPS, SOS, Louisville Orchestra conductor Teddy Abrams, the Fund for the Arts, and representatives of the bourbon industry. Also, a group of local food trucks – All Thai'd Up, Ramiros, Hot Buns, Hurrikanes, and Celtic Pig – are heading to Western Kentucky to help feed those in need, along with volunteers and first-responders One of the big needs right now is for water in affected communities, the Mayor said, announcing a water donation drive that kicks off with a collection from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow (Sunday, Dec. 12), before and after the start of the University of Louisville and University of Kentucky women's basketball game. Trucks will be parked in front of the Yum! Center on Main Street so those going to the game – and others – can drop off water. The Mayor stressed the need for cases of water, rather than individual bottles. Volunteers, including those from the Compassionate Louisville board, chaired by Dr. Muhammad Babar, and the SOS Emergency Response team will be on hand to help accept donations. "The SOS Emergency Response team has been working since news of the tornadoes hit to be ready to mobilize and deploy assistance to our neighbors in Western Kentucky," said Denise Sears, SOS CEO and President. "We are grateful to work with the office of Mayor Fischer to help coordinate aid from the compassionate residents of Louisville. We all need to come together, collaborate and work side by side to help in this crisis." Giving water will be just one way for Louisvillians to help, the Mayor said, noting that the state is setting up a Western Kentucky relief fund, and the American Red Cross is setting up blood drives. "We will share more details about that as they come in, so stay tuned," he said. The Mayor was joined at today's announcement by Ryan Sadler, Plan President for Kentucky Passport Health Plan by Molina Healthcare, who announced that his company is donating $200,000 to the Western Kentucky relief fund. "We are working around the clock to support Kentuckians with immediate relief and recovery efforts during this difficult time," said Sadler. UofL women's coach Jeff Walz also spoke at today's announcement, urging fans – "no matter who you cheer for" – to show the country how compassionate the city of Louisville is and bring jugs and cases of water to the collection site before the game. "The tragic storms that passed through our state on Friday night are bigger than sports and bigger than any rivalry," said UofL Deputy Athletics Director Josh Heird. "As Kentuckians, we have a duty to help one another in times of need. The water collection efforts during the UK vs UofL game are a great example of how we will always do what's best for the citizens of Kentucky. Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this devastation." UK Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart said in a statement: "We are heartbroken by the devastation in Western Kentucky. Our roots in Kentucky run deep, which means this tragedy affects so many of us and so many throughout our state. But our resolve to help runs every bit as deep. Our coaches and our student athletes will be part of a collective effort to help those who need assistance now in the days to come. That includes our UK women's basketball team joining with our competitors and colleagues at the University of Louisville to promote the collection of water at tomorrow's basketball game. We encourage everyone to join us and join the effort to bring relief and support to those who need it most." In closing today's remarks, the Mayor said, "This morning, as daylight began to reveal the awful magnitude of the damage, Gov. Beshear spoke for all of us when he said Kentuckians are united in support of our fellow Kentuckians in their time of staggering loss. It's said that grief and resilience live together. And so they will throughout Kentucky as we stand, united, and work together for recovery." To donate to the Western Kentucky Relief Fund, visit https://secure.kentucky.gov/formservices/Finance/WKYRelief (QR code is attached) To volunteer or give blood, visit The Red Cross at www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS. Enter required fields How do you want to be reminded? (Street Sweeping requires at least an email) Reminders are sent on the Sunday before and the Friday of your Junk Set Out date. * is required. By subscribing to this reminder service you agree to the Terms of Use. To unsubscribe go to Gov Delivery. Enter your address and MyLouisville will find nearby city services in the following categories: Find your garbage, recycling, yard waste and large-item set-out dates. Sign up for large-item set out and street sweeping reminders by email and text! No form has been selected. Popular Pages Popular Tools This press release was produced by the City of Louisville. The views expressed here are the author's own.