While the physical structure that housed the UK Research and Education Center is gone, our people are safe following the devastating tornado outbreak in Kentucky. This page serves as a landing page for resources to support those impacted by the tornado and those wishing to provide aid.
Getting Involved and Donation Opportunities
To donate items to support those impacted by the disaster, items can be dropped off at the Ag Distribution Center. The address is 229 Stadium View Drive. Chris Foxworth will be there to assist with donations. We will deliver donated items to our county offices in western Kentucky for distribution through local entities in their counties as well as surrounding counties.
Items can be dropped off between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. starting December 15, and an initial delivery will be made on Friday, December 17. This page will be updated regularly for drop-off times based on need.
Items needed:
- Baby formula
- Blankets
- Bottled water
- Cleaning supplies
- Diapers
- Flashlights
- Hygiene products
- Medical supplies
- Nonperishable food items
- Paper plates
- Paper products
- Plastic utensils
- Tarps
- Wipes
If you would like to contribute directly to support UKREC staff affected by the tornado, the following items are needed:
- Men’s 3-4XL shirt and size 48 pants
- Women’s XL and 2x or some 3x shirts
- Women’s XL and size 24 pants
- Men’s and Women’s underwear and socks (multiple sizes)
- Toothbrushes, toothpaste, other hygiene products
- Cleaning supplies
Please designate on items that they are for UKREC staff.
The Kentucky Division of Emergency Management is also accepting donations and relief effort volunteer applications. Individuals can offer to donate supplies or apply to volunteer at https://arcg.is/8aqnO.
Monetary Donations
Kentucky 4-H has a 4-H’ers Helping 4-H’ers Relief Fund that is collecting donations to help affected 4-H members, families and staff.
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture has partnered with the Kentucky Farm Bureau to develop a GoFundMe account to provide monetary support for impacted farmers. Donations are tax deductible.
Individuals who wish to make monetary donations to the tornado victims may do so by donating through UK’s Office of Philanthropy. Individuals may donate to help affected UK students. UK also offers the C.R.I.S.I.S. (Crisis Relief in Situations Involving Staff and Faculty) Program to help UK employees experiencing personal hardship. UK faculty and staff may request assistance at https://staffsenate.uky.edu/crisis.
Individuals may also mail checks with a comment to support UK CAFE Tornado Relief to UK Philanthropy, P.O. Box 23552, Lexington, KY 40523.
Resources for those Impacted
Livestock Mortality Management
On-site composting or burial are likely the best options for disposal of livestock mortalities.
For assistance with mass burial of livestock, contact local NRCS field office. They can assist with siting in appropriate soils to prevent groundwater contamination.
For disposal of poultry carcasses, see the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet's guidance.
Personal and Environmental Safety
Replacing Important Papers in Kentucky
Open Burning
Do not burn mixed storm debris. Building materials can release hazardous contaminants and particulate matter when burned, and these can lead to additional health concerns.
Water Safety
Water contaminated with fuel, toxic chemicals, or radioactive materials will not be made safe by boiling or disinfection.
Food Safety
Keep Food Safe After a Disaster or Emergency (CDC)
Mental Health
- Farm Stress and Rural Mental Health Resources
- Kentucky Service Provider Directory
- Community Mental Health Centers, Crisis Lines, and Psychiatric Hospitals
- Mental Health Support for UK Employees
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