The death toll continues to climb as a result of a tornado outbreak in six midwest states and Bulloch EMA Director Ted Wynn is researching ways to help the victims.
Below Wynn shared a list put together by the Weather Channel of the best and quickest ways Bulloch County citizens can help. He encouraged citizens to please consider giving generously.
Deadly Tornado
According to Samaritan's Purse the swarm of deadly nighttime tornadoes tore through six states from Friday evening into Saturday morning December 10, 2021. Scores are reported dead with totals expected to climb as search-and-rescue efforts continue.
Kentucky, Arkansas, Illinois, Missouri, Tennessee, and Mississippi were impacted by dozens of tornadoes.
The worst damage was across western Kentucky where Gov. Andy Beshear said he believes at least 70 people, and possibly more than that, lost their lives.
He called the storms “the most severe tornado event in Kentucky’s history.” The city of Mayfield, with a population of 10,000 in Graves County, was especially devastated.
MCP Candles Tornado Victims Fund
Mayfield Consumer Products candle making plant in Mayfield, Kentucky was completely destroyed by a tornado. There were 100 employees in the plant at the time the devastating tornado hit. Many are still not accounted for.
This company has strong ties to the Statesboro community. Some members of our community have been on site in Mayfield since early Saturday morning. They have reached out to Grice Connect to ask us to please share their victims fund. They assure the community that 100% of the funds collected will go to help the families impacted in the plant.
Statement from Troy Propes, CEO of MCP
Our Mayfield, Kentucky facility was destroyed December 10, 2021, by a tornado, and tragically employees were killed and injured. We’re heartbroken about this, and our immediate efforts are to assist those affected by this terrible disaster.
Our company is family-owned and our employees, some who have worked with us for many years, are cherished. We’re immediately establishing an emergency fund to assist our employees and their families.
We’re grateful to the first responders who heroically assisted our employees following the storm. And, we’re thankful for those who are generously offering to assist us. Your prayers are needed and appreciated.
The Weather Channel has put together a list of tips on how best to help the victims.
Cash is king
After seeing destroyed homes and people who have lost everything, we may be tempted to donate clothing, food, bottled water or other supplies. Aid organizations say donations like that often create logistical nightmares and more expense. A financial donation can be spent on what is needed most at that particular moment.
Know to whom you are giving
Charity scams abound after natural disasters. Give to trusted, mainstream organizations. If you are unsure about a group, check it out at the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance, the Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, or GuideStar.
Give blood
Hospitals treating storm victims need more blood, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said Saturday. Blood supplies have run dangerously low throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
To find a blood donation center in your area go to the Red Cross Blood Center website at http://redcrossblood.org/.../eligibility-requirements.html and type in your zip code.
As search and rescue efforts continue in impacted states, here’s how you can help:
Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund
Gov. Andy Beshear has established the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund to help those affected by the tornados and the severe weather system.
Click here to make a donation to Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund
American Red Cross
Help people affected by the tornadoes by visiting redcross.org or calling 800-RED-CROSS. Donations directed toward tornado victims enable the Red Cross to respond to and help people recover from this disaster.
This includes providing food, shelter, relief supplies, emotional support and other assistance.
If you have the time, you can make a significant impact as a Red Cross volunteer.
Review the most urgently needed volunteer positions at redcross.org/volunteertoday.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army works to provide food, drinks, shelter, emotional and spiritual care and other emergency services to survivors and rescue workers.
Online: give.helpsalvationarmy.org/.
By phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)
Go Fund Me
GoFundMe connects you to people who need help. The Weather Channel and GoFundMe have teamed up to help people in the path of a natural disaster be prepared and recover quicker than ever before. If a hurricane has impacted you or someone you know, you can start a GoFundMe to get on the road to recovery. You can request help or donate to someone in need.
Samaritans Purse
Samaritan's Purse is also deploying resources to the area.
Click HERE to donate to this very worthy organization.
