Kentucky businesses step up to support flood relief efforts

Wildcat Moving and Kentucky Realtors collect supplies for Eastern Kentucky residents

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — Two Kentucky businesses are stepping up to support flood relief efforts as donations pour in to help Eastern Kentucky residents recover.

On Friday, community members in Lexington gathered to load a moving truck with donated cleaning supplies and winter clothing. The relief effort, organized by Wildcat Moving and the Kentucky Association of Realtors, aimed to provide essential items for those affected by the recent floods.

“When you have a disaster like this it is already very difficult to recover. People are going to have to be cleaning up a lot of the effects of the flood waters, they are contaminated. So those cleaning supplies are an essential item, but also the fact that this happened in winter makes this even more difficult,” said Meredith Turk, marketing director for Wildcat Moving.

The donation drive collected a wide range of supplies, including soap, bleach, baby wipes, and gloves. Organizers worked to fill the moving truck, ensuring the items would reach those in need.

“We’ve been doing this for quite a while here, and bringing supplies is just one way to serve as boots on the ground in addition to providing house assistance that we have for many years,” said Kyle Tetzlaff, CEO of Kentucky Realtors.

Once loaded, the truck made its way to Floyd County, where the donated goods were delivered to a distribution center. Organizers and volunteers emphasized the importance of supporting those recovering from the disaster.

“Taking the time out to be able to donate a crew, of our movers and our truck to get people this help, this is just a way we can make an impact through our actions,” Turk said.

“We want them to know that we’re there for them, seeing the smiles and that hope, you know this is about providing hope for those who felt hopeless,” said Josh Summers, CEO of Kentucky Realtors.

“I know the floods were bad, and we get to help with that, change some lives and do some good for the community,” added Dillon Davis, a driver for Wildcat Moving.

For those interested in contributing to the relief effort, more information can be found here.