When word started to get out about the effects of the devastating tornadoes that hit southern and central states on December 10 and 11, the folks at the Academy of Careers and Technology (ACT) in Beckley knew they had to do something to help victims.
Kevin Bolen, Raleigh County ACT coordinator, said he was watching the news when he saw the aftermath of the tornado that hit the town of Mayfield and Graves County in Kentucky. He listened as a family discussed how they just wanted to go home, but they had no home to go to.
“It was very devastating,” Bolen said, adding that those who didn’t lose their homes are still affected because they may not have power restored for months in the cold, winter weather.
So, he started to look for ways to help, and he found the Facebook page of the Graves County, KY, Board of Education. He noticed that they had posted a list of items that tornado victims might need.
Because the ACT trains people how to become tractor-trailer drivers, Bolen said that everyone quickly figured out how to help.
“We have the trucks and, if the community donates, we can deliver,” Bolen stated.
Through a partnership with Southern Communications, those at ACT are now accepting donations that will be taken to those in Graves County–an area that was hit hard, Bolen said.
On Saturday, December 18, from 11 am until 5 pm, the ACT will park a tractor-trailer in the parking lot of the Beckley Lowe’s. Everyone is encouraged to donate and help out our neighbors in Kentucky.
Items needed include: flashlights, batteries, lanterns, hand warmers, blankets, propane and kerosene heaters, toys for children, cardboard boxes, trash bags, personal hygiene products, new undergarments, clothes, plastic totes, laundry detergent, handheld can openers and bubble wrap.
“We are also accepting non-perishable food items and basic supplies,” Bolen noted.
For those who can’t make it out to Lowe’s, Bolen said that they will accept donations at the Academy of Careers and Technology located at 390 Stanaford Road in Beckley, near Woodrow Wilson High School, from 8 am until 8 pm on Friday, December 17, and again from Monday, December 20, until Thursday, December 23.
Those at ACT would like to make a delivery to the victims before Christmas, but if they do not receive enough donations to fill a truck before then, Bolen said they will continue to accept donations beginning on Tuesday, December 28, at the ACT for a post-Christmas delivery.
“Our goal is to fill one truck,” Bolen said, adding that a 50 ft. semi-trailer will hold a lot of supplies. “If we get more, though, we will re-evaluate. I’d love to fill two.”
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