How you can help tornado victims
On the evening on Friday, Dec. 10, a series of violent tornadoes ripped through Tennessee and Kentucky. Hundreds of homes were damaged or destroyed, and 77 lost their lives.
In the wake of the storm, many are looking for opportunities to assist.
Danny Jowers, emergency management
director for Obion County stands in front of a mountain of donated items in the Samburg, Tenn., resource center.
“The outpouring has been phenomenal,” said Danny Jowers, emergency management director for Obion County as he worked in the Samburg resource center that was established in the days following the storm. “We have plenty of supplies, but if someone wants to make a monetary donation, find a way to do that. People are going to need funds to get their lives back – for housing, for rent or other things they’ll need.”
Several organizations are working in or collecting funds for the affected areas. Some are focused exclusively on co-op employees, while others are providing support for entire communities.
Below is a list of some ways to help victims of the tornadoes.
Kentucky Rural Electric Disaster Fund
Kentucky Electric Cooperatives has organized a fund to assist members of the co-op family who face challenges after disasters and for the aid of communities served by co-ops. Contribute online: https://kyelectric.coop/2021/12/15/kentucky-rural-electric-disaster-fund/
Sensus/Xylem Matching Fund
Sensus, an associate member of TECA, has partnered with Americares to collect funds for those impacted. Sensus/Xylem will match funds up to $25,000 for any donations provided. These funds will go directly into affected areas to assist with real-time needs. Contribute online: https://mywatermark.benevity.org/community/fundraiser/5759
Additional Community and Faith-based Funds
Obion County Tornado Relief Fund
Security Bank and Trust Company
securitybanktn.com • 731-642-6644
Samburg Relief Fund
Security Bank and Trust Company
securitybanktn.com • 731-642-6644
Lake Road Relief Fund
Simmons Bank
simmonsbank.com
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
Middle Tennessee Emergency Response Fund
cfmt.org/tornado2021 • 888-540-5200
American Red Cross
redcross.org • 1-800-RED CROSS
Southern Baptist Churches Disaster Relief
tnbaptist.org • 615-373-2255
United Methodist Committee on Relief
umcmission.org • 800-862-4246
Churches of Christ Disaster Relief
churchesofchristdrt.org • 937-308-7593
Samaritan’s Purse
samaritanspurse.org • 828-262-1980
If you are aware of other groups or funds who are supporting the recovery effort, please contact Trent Scott.
