Torn by natural disasters, relief for east and west Kentucky continues to arrive almost daily.
During Thursday’s “Team Kentucky” update, Governor Andy Beshear noted more than $14,000 in gift cards has been recently collected for the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund. The cards are specifically marked for grocery and home improvement stores, as part of welcome packages to assit families moving into new homes funded by the relief program.
Furthermore, restaurant gift cards will be provided for workers assisting with both the remodeling and reconstruction of damaged properties across west Kentucky.
The Princeton Water District is also set to receive more than $24,000 in west Kentucky SAFE funds planned for the region, this time to assist with FEMA-required application shares of a repair project.
No less than 300 homes have been scheduled for construction in the area through a large umbrella that includes Habitat for Humanity, the Fuller Center, and Homes and Hope for Kentucky. Beshear said more than 50 homes will be completed by the end of the year.
As for east Kentucky, more than $10 million through more than 37,000 donors has been raised in the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund, with a recent special event from Four Roses Distillery raising north of $320,000 for the cause.
University of Kentucky men’s basketball coach John Calipari and his wife, Ellen, have also contributed each way — donating $10,000 to Team Western Kentucky, while scheduling the Wildcats’ heavily-anticipated Blue-White game for October 22 in Pikeville.
Beshear describe a special offer for this game could also help eastern Kentucky residents.
Beshear also noted that, statewide, more than 270 people remain in Kentucky State Parks housing, and more than 530 individuals are being house in 200 travel trailers.
To date, more than $60 million combined has been donated for the east and west.