LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – Kentuckians are no strangers to natural disasters and the lengthy recovery processes that follow.

Those in Breathitt County are coming together to help their affected neighbors further south, and they have recommendations for anyone who wants to help.

The Breathitt County community is all too familiar with the devastation caused by natural disasters.

“Collaboration, coordination and communication are essential,” said Jamie Mullins-Smith, co-chairman of the Breathitt Co. Long Term Recovery Team.

So the county’s long-term recovery team was formed after the 2021 flood.

“We have survivors and we have victims. We understand their loss, whether it’s property, whether it’s people or whether it’s pets,” Mullins-Smith said.

Jamie Mullins-Smith and her team have learned over the years what people really need in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.

“Honestly, monetary donations would be the biggest help to them right now,” Mullins-Smith said. “I know they put out lists, and there are items they need that are in short supply there. It is extremely important that we can convey that to them.

Mullins-Smith says that if you want to collect donations, you should first contact a team, such as your local “disaster volunteer organizations.” They will know what supplies are needed. She says you shouldn’t donate used clothes at this time; There’s just no place to store it. And if you take away supplies.

“Go ahead and inventory it as you put it on the truck or trailer. That way, when you get there, you can give it to the person handing it out. that information is critical data. Your emergency management coordinators and your VOAADs will need that when it comes to FEMA and federal grant applications,” Mullins-Smith said.

Mullins-Smith says after about 80 days they noticed there were very few to no volunteers helping on site. If you can’t help now, the damage will still be needed in the weeks and months to come.

“We know the path they’ve walked, and we can help them build a new path back,” Mullins-Smith said.

Monetary donations collected by the Breathitt County Long Term Recovery Team were given to “Rise Disaster Relief and Recovery” and “Samaritan’s Purse.”

Copyright 2024 WKYT. All rights reserved.