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Over the past several days we have been stunned by the devastation through a large area of the Midwest. While the destruction and human toll is heart wrenching, I am inspired by the impulsive desire of Rotarians to provide support and comfort.
Many members of District 6440 are inquiring how we might best support efforts for recovery in the areas affected by this week's extraordinary weather event. We have communicated with Rotary leadership in effected areas seeking guidance how you as individuals and/or clubs may help provide comfort and support. In that spirit I am writing this email to inform you of several ways that you and your Rotary club can assist the individuals and communities who were impacted by these storms.
1. For those who would like to donate through the District 6440 Charitable Fund we have activated an online donation portal. https://form.jotform.com/62386028569971
2: You have seen the town of Midway, Kentucky sustained extremely devastating impact. Midway Rotary Club President John Carrico provided the following information to directly support efforts in Midway:
You can mail checks to the following address :
Mayfield Rotary Club
P.O. Box 485
Mayfield, Kentucky 42066
If you want to send water please send it to the following address:
Mayfield-Graves County Fairgrounds
Contact Person: Allison Sloan Morris
Cell: 270-559-6301
If you want to send supplies other than water send to:
ACE Compressor
Contact Person: Allison Sloan Morris
Cell: 270-559-6301
3. Western Kentucky is served by Rotary District 6710, and my counterpart District Governor Gail Story recorded a video message which you can view here: https://youtu.be/RI_wUnil3oM
District 6710 leadership is recommending that financial contributions be made to the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund. https://secure.kentucky.gov/formservices/Finance/WKYRelief
4. Rotary Club of Edwardsville President Brent Garner has advised that the best organization to donate to at this time in order to support Edwardsville is the Relief Fund of the Edwardsville Community Foundation. The link to give to the ECF Relief Fund is here: https://edwardsvillecf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create?funit_id=1033
5. Additionally, many individual families in and near Edwardsville have established fundraising campaigns for their own funeral, medical, or housing expenses. District 6460 Governor Ryan Byers provided a listing from the Jacksonville Journal-Courier of those funds with donation links, which you can view here: https://www.myjournalcourier.com/news/article/Here-are-some-GoFundMes-set-up-to-help-tornado-16700477.php
6. Dresden, Tennessee is a small town (population 3,500) that was also hit particularly hard. The Rotary Club of Dresden, through Past District Governor April Lieberman, has established a relief fund that they will use in assisting victims. You can make a donation online at this link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/dresdentornado via Venmo to @DresdenRotaryTornadoReliefFund or by mail to Dresden Rotary Club Tornado Relief Fund, P.O. Box 652, Dresden, TN 38225.