Like many people, we were saddened by last week's devastating floods in Eastern Kentucky and the damage caused. Central Kentucky business and government officials visited the Eastern Kentucky region during our inaugural Kentucky Regional Tour, a two-day bus tour, in 2009. It was a way for us to recognize the vital role that Eastern Kentucky plays in the success of our region and state. Back then, Commerce Lexington Board Chair Woodford Webb said, "Its deep-rooted heritage combined with all the great people who have come from the region made it an easy choice for our first-ever Regional Tour."

HOW YOU CAN HELP:
Below are a few ways that you can help give back or participate in recovery efforts with Commerce Lexington members. As more information becomes available, we will pass it along. If you know of other relief efforts, please send the information to Mark Turner at Commerce Lexington. The newest notices appear at the top.
Kentucky Bourbon Benefit to Raise Funds Through On-Line Auction for Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief
The Kentucky Distillers’ Association, the Bourbon Crusaders charitable organization and Bourbon curator Fred Minnick are joining forces again, this time to support recovery and rebuilding efforts from the catastrophic flooding in Eastern Kentucky. The Kentucky Bourbon Benefit will feature an online auction of exclusive private barrel selection experiences, rare and vintage spirits, and unique tasting and tourism offerings from Kentucky’s signature distilling industry and hospitality and charitable partners. The online auction will begin Thursday, Aug. 11, at noon EST and run until Sunday, Aug. 21, at 11 p.m. EST. Go to www.kybourbonbenefit.com to view auction items and bid. Westport Whiskey & Wine in Louisville is coordinating collection and distribution of donated items. All proceeds will go directly to the state’s official Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund to assist those impacted by flooding.
MSI Production Services, Little Guys Movers Have Trucks Available to Assist Those Collecting Flood Relief Items
For those companies and organizations collecting flood relief donation items for transport to Eastern Kentucky, two of our member companies have large trucks available for use if needed. Contact Sam White at MSI Production Services at 859-983-6584. Sam has several large vehicles and trucks standing by. Additionally, Zach Blair, General Manager of Little Guys Movers, reports that his business has both box trucks and man power available. Contact Zach at 859-554-5594.
AT&T Waiving Overage Charges for Customers in Areas Affected by Flooding in Eastern KY
In addition to a $50,000 donation made by AT&T and the AT&T Foundation to the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund, the company is waiving overages for its wireless and prepaid customers in areas directly affected by the recent flooding, so they can stay connected with unlimited talk, text and data access. This offer is for customers with billing addresses in zip codes across affected areas through August 12, 2022. AT&T has also deployed temporary mobile towers and generators to several eastern Kentucky communities, while they work to restore service. People who would like to help can make a one-time $10 donation to the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky Crisis Fund by texting FLOOD to 80100. Find out more ON-LINE HERE.
Toyota Announces Donations, Payment Relief Assistance for Flood Victims
Toyota announced $750,000 in donations to assist with immediate needs and long-term recovery efforts following catastrophic flooding in Eastern Kentucky. Toyota employees are also rallying to support immediate needs through donation drives. The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky – Flood Relief Fund will receive $500,000 to help support families throughout Eastern Kentucky struggling for access to shelter, food, water and other basic needs. SBP, Toyota’s longstanding disaster resilience, response and recovery partner, will receive $250,000 to help guide flooding survivors as they navigate the federal funding application and appeals processes, share on-line recovery tools and work with high-risk communities on how to mitigate and prepare for future disasters. Toyota Financial Services is offering payment relief options to its impacted customers. This broad outreach includes any Toyota Financial Services (TFS) or Lexus Financial Services (LFS) customer in the designated disaster areas. Find out more ON-LINE HERE.
God's Pantry Flood Relief Fund
God's Pantry Food Bank is working with Feeding America, Feeding Kentucky, and other organizations active in disaster response to address the needs of the communities quickly and effectively. You can provide assistance to our neighbors in the affected areas by giving to the God’s Pantry Food Bank Flood Relief Fund. These funds will be used to directly support these communities in their recovery efforts. Visit the flood relief donations page HERE. God's Pantry has deployed cleaning supplies, clothing, water, and food into Perry, Breathitt, Floyd, and Martin Counties thus far. Deployments will continue throughout the week and beyond into all 14 counties impacted by flash floods. 
Traditional Bank Establishes Eastern KY Relief Fund
In response to the devastating floods that recently ravaged eastern Kentucky, Traditional Bank has established the Eastern KY Relief Fund. As an incentive to encourage donations, and increase the fund’s impact, Traditional Bank will provide a dollar for dollar donation match in the amount of $25,000. The bank is partnering with Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) to ensure 100% of all donations will be put to work directly for the relief and recovery in impacted communities. Donations may be made by cash or check at any Traditional Bank location in Bourbon, Clark, Fayette, Franklin, Jefferson, Montgomery, Menifee and Shelby counties. Online donations are available through the website.
Quantrell Auto Group Accepting Items for Flood Victims
The Quantrell Auto Group is collecting donated items all this week for flood victims in Eastern Kentucky. Items accepted include baby items such as diapers, bottles, formula & clothes; socks, rubber boots; cleaning supplies such as rubber gloves, large trash bags, mops, brooms, bleach & lysol; cases of water; snacks such as granola bars, protein bars & fruit snacks. If you have items to donate, contact Diana Keating at 859-266-2161.
Experienced Stays Collecting Supplies for Flood Relief
Emily Sharp at Experienced Stays reported that they are collecting donations and supplies for Eastern Kentucky flood relief efforts. Items accepted include water, cleaning supplies, canned/dry food, clothes, garbage bags and pet supplies. If you have items to donate, contact Experienced Stays at 859-536-8434 or 606-657-8167. Any monetary donations will be used to purchase needed supplies.
My Favorite Things Collecting Items for Hindman Settlement School & Eastern KY Flood Victims
My Favorite Things Lexington (2721 Old Rosebud Road, Suite 110) is taking donation drop-offs for the Hindman Settlement School and Eastern Kentucky flood victims. A list of items requested includes: bottled water; non-perishable food; paper products (paper towels, plates); personal products (shampoo, deodorant, razors, soap, etc.); plastic silverware; cleaning supplies (Clorox, brooms, mops); cleaning gloves; Lawn garbage bags; Walmart and Amazon gift cards. Donations can be dropped off today (Friday) from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
United Way of Kentucky Opens Disaster Fund
In the wake of last week's flooding in Eastern Kentucky, the United Way of Kentucky has opened the "United Way of Kentucky Disaster Fund" in partnership with United Way of the Bluegrass and other associated local United Ways around the Commonwealth. Find more information and make a donation to fund ON-LINE HERE. 100-percent of the funds raised will go directly to the recovery efforts.
Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund Established
Governor Beshear has established the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund to assist those impacted by the floods and the severe weather system. All donations to the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund are tax-deductible and donors will receive a receipt for tax purposes after donating. DONATE ON-LINE HERE or you may mail checks made payable to "Kentucky State Treasurer" to Public Protection Cabinet, 500 Mero Street, 218 NC, Frankfort, KY 40601. In the memo line, please note the donation is for the "Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund."
Flood Relief Telethon at Rupp Raises $3.2 million-plus
Rupp Arena, in partnership with LEX18, American Red Cross and Kentucky Men’s Basketball, held a Kentucky Flood Relief Telethon earlier this week at Rupp Arena. Fans watched the Kentucky Men’s Basketball Team at an open practice. People can continue to donate ON-LINE HERE.
Christian Appalachian Project Opens Command Center to Assist Eastern Kentucky Flood Victims; Volunteers Needed
Christian Appalachian Project's (CAP) Disaster Relief Program has set up a Command Center in Floyd County at its Foley Mission Center, 6134 KY-80, Martin, Kentucky. CAP began assessing the damage yesterday and cleanup will begin soon after. If you are willing to help with flood relief, CAP has a place for you. Please send an email with your name and/or the name of your group, contact information, and your availability to bneuenschwander@chrisapp.org. She will get back to you with additional details. Donations can be dropped off at CAP's Lexington office (2528 Palumbo Drive), Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Immediate needs include water, cleaning supplies, and gift cards. NO CLOTHING is being accepted at this time. If you have questions, call (866) 270-4227.
Crank & Boom Small Batch Club to Benefit Hindman Settlement School
Crank & Boom Craft Ice Cream is taking pre-orders now for their KENTUCKY STRONG CHARITY PINT. They are creating a limited run of KENTUCKY STRONG pints that will benefit the Hindman Settlement School in Knott County. Pre-orders are open through TODAY, Friday, Aug. 5th. Order ON-LINE HERE, and pickup will be between Aug. 12-18. The flavor is called Gingerbread Festival, in honor of the Knott County Gingerbread Festival.
Kentucky Chamber, KSR Partner to Build Flood Relief Fund
Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) and the Kentucky Chamber Foundation are partnering to build a relief fund for our fellow Kentuckians to ensure they are able to rebuild. With the money raised in this fund, our two groups will be working with local communities, local chambers, as well as our state and local elected officials to ensure the needs of these areas are met in the wake of tragedy. The Kentucky Chamber Foundation, Inc., is a Section 501(c)(3) public charity and donations to it are generally eligible for tax deduction. KSR and the Kentucky Chamber are committed to helping rebuild our communities and we appreciate your help and the overwhelming compassion and generosity of so many. [DONATE ON-LINE HERE]
WKYT-TV Promoting "Appalachia Rises: A Week of Giving" to Support ARH Foundation Flood Relief Fund
WKYT-TV and other Gray Television Stations will present “Appalachia Rises | A Week of Giving,” to spotlight the much needed work being done to help relief efforts and how you can help throughout every newscast and across their digital platforms. "Appalachia Rises" will support the ARH Foundation Fund for Flood Relief and the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky Crisis Fund. On-line donations to the fund can be made HERE. According to Appalachian Regional Healthcare, the following items are being accepted at its Lexington office this week through August 5th at 2260 Executive Drive between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

ITEMS REQUESTED:
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Baby formula
  • Diapers and supplies
  • Pet food and supplies
  • Pillows and blankets
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Non-perishable food items
  • Can openers
  • Disposable plates
  • Utensils
  • Gloves
  • Buckets and Bucket lids
  • Heavy Duty Gloves
  • Sponges
  • Mops
  • Floor squeegees
  • Paper Towels
  • Toilet Paper
  • Trash Bags
  • Bleach
  • Lysol
  • Flashlights
  • Batteries 
  • Underwear (all sizes adults and children)
  • Socks (adults, children, baby)
  • Children’s clothing (all sizes)
  • Laundry Detergent
  • Rubber boots
  • Water