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Red Cross deploys more than 90 workers to Kentucky communities hit by tornado

Within hours of the deadly tornado late Friday night, donated food, supplies and cots from the American Red Cross were at South Laurel High School for survivors.
John McGary
/
WEKU
Within hours of the deadly tornado late Friday night, donated food, supplies and cots from the American Red Cross were at South Laurel High School for survivors.

Communities in Laurel and Pulaski County hit hard by the late Friday night tornado are getting help from the Red Cross. At a news conference Tuesday at the London-Corbin Airport, Lynn Washbish of the American Red Cross’s Bluegrass chapter said volunteers and employees arrived not long after the tornado left.

“We have over 90 Red Crossers on the ground from all around here to help and support those that have been devastated by these tornadoes. You can go to 1-800-Red Cross and you can find all of our shelters that are open.”

Local folks are pitching in, too. By Saturday morning in Laurel County, businesses and citizens had already donated thousands of dollars worth of food, bedding and other supplies at South Laurel High School and First Baptist Church. Dozens of cots bore the Red Cross label.

“We've been out in the communities, feeding, providing comfort, care, cleanup kits, comfort kits, the necessities that people need right now to help them get through this amazing disaster, we are here to help and support, and we will continue to.”

At the news conference, Laurel Judge-Executive David Westerfield thanked first responders and others from across Kentucky who came to the aid of his county.

John McGary is a Lexington native and Navy veteran with three decades of radio, television and newspaper experience.
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