Hazard, KY – The Salvation Army is actively responding to the devastating flooding in Eastern Kentucky, providing critical relief to affected communities. In the past two days, The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) team has delivered essential supplies and meals to hard-hit areas, including Woodford, Pike, Knott, and Floyd counties.
On Thursday, February 20, EDS Director Bo Sells delivered 48 cleanup kits to The Salvation Army unit in Woodford County. These kits, which include a squeegee, mop, disinfectant, and other necessary supplies, are essential for residents working to clean their homes after floodwaters recede.
On Friday, February 21, The Salvation Army provided more than 400 meals to flood survivors in Pike, Knott, and Floyd counties and delivered another 150 meals to residents in Leslie County who remain cut off by floodwaters. The meals in Leslie County were transported by boat to those who have been isolated since the flooding began. Captain Roger Galabeas, a Salvation Army officer from Nashville, helped transport the food down to the boats, which were manned by officers from the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources. These officers ferried the meals to stranded residents in the Dryhill area of Leslie County. Additionally, roughly 100 cleanup kits were delivered to Knott County to aid in recovery efforts.
“The Salvation Army is here to serve, and when we saw that people in Leslie County were stranded with no access to food, we knew we had to act,” said Captain Galabeas. “With the help of local officials, we were able to ensure that no one was left without a hot meal.” said Captain Galabeas.
Missy Miller, The Salvation Army Service Unit Chair in Perry County and a resident of Dryhill, has been transported by boat daily to continue working on relief efforts. “Being cut off from the outside world is tough, but knowing that The Salvation Army is here for us means everything,” Miller said. “Their support has been a lifeline in these difficult times, reminding us that we are not forgotten.”. “I can’t tell you how much this means to us,” Miller said. “We’ve been stranded, not knowing when help would come. Seeing The Salvation Army come through the floodwaters to bring us food and prayers—well, that gives us hope.”
The Salvation Army remains committed to serving survivors for as long as needed. These efforts are only possible through the generosity of the public. The best way to support relief efforts is through financial contributions. Donations can be made online at helpsalvationarmy.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY. One hundred percent of disaster donations go directly toward helping survivors.
