How to Support Tornado Recovery Efforts from Wherever You Are

Rochelle Bilow
Rochelle Bilow
Rochelle Bilow is a graduate of the French Culinary Institute, and the former social media manager at Bon Appétit and Cooking Light magazines. She has also worked as a cook on a small farm in Central New York and a Michelin-starred restaurant in New York City. Her first book, a…read more
Follow
published Dec 16, 2021
pinterest
comments
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Residents continue to recover from Friday's tornado on December 14, 2021 in Dawson Springs, Kentucky. Multiple tornadoes touched down in several Midwest states late Friday December 10, causing widespread destruction and leaving scores of people dead and injured.
Credit: Getty Images/ Scott Olson / Staff

After a series of deadly tornadoes tore through western Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, Missouri, and Arkansas last week, residents are struggling to rebuild, all while mourning the loss of over 80 residents. Whether you know someone who was affected by the untimely tragedy or just want to lend a helping hand, there are many ways you can have a positive impact on the recovery efforts. And thanks to some big name collaborations and location businesses alike, you can even lend a hand from afar.

Here are a few ways you can support tornado recovery efforts from wherever you are.

Support businesses that have committed aid

Some large corporations and businesses, including notable restaurants, have committed to donating financial resources to tornado victims. Kentucky Fried Chicken, for example, is honoring its namesake state by partnering with Kentucky native and rapper Jack Harlow to donate $250,000 to residents affected by the disaster. 

You can also make a donation yourself through the American Red Cross website — in any amount that works for you. KFC has set up a donation page through ARC through which fans have already chipped in over $6,000 to date.

Support local Kentucky businesses

Homeowners weren’t the only ones devastated by loss in the December 11 tragedy; local businesses have suffered, too. Consider making donations to restaurants, cafés, and bars who are facing a long road of recovery. 

Some businesses are making it even easier to put your dollars to good use. Good News Brewing in Defiance, Missouri, for example, is soliciting local gift card donations in exchange for a free beer. You can also contact Good News online to coordinate a donation if you’re not local to the area.

Defiance Roadhouse, another local restaurant, is coordinating donations for survivors who have lost everything. You can check out their Facebook page for real-time updates about the most-needed items — and which ones are no longer needed. Of course, local food pantries will be accepting donations of nonperishable food items, like canned goods, as well.

For those in the area, consider supporting up-and-running restaurants by placing orders directly, rather than through third party apps that cut into local profits.