ROCKINGHAM — One Richmond County group is collecting supplies for victims of flood-ravaged eastern Kentucky.
Steve’s Wings is organizing drop-off locations for donations to go to the Appalachian region of the Bluegrass State that saw heavy rains at the end of July.
According to the National Weather Service, up to 16 inches of rain fell across the region in a five-day span from July 26-30, leaving 37 people dead.
“Entire homes and parts of some communities were swept away by flood waters, leading to costly damage to infrastructure in the region,” according to a NWS report on the flooding. “Over 600 helicopter rescues and countless swift water rescues by boat were needed to evacuate people who were trapped by the quickly-rising flood waters.”
Melissa Schoonover, founder of Steve’s Wings, said a childhood friend and one of the speakers scheduled for the upcoming Overdose Awareness Rally on Aug. 13 are both victims of the flooding.
“They’re still not out of the woods yet,” she said, adding that they have been without power and water.
The main supplies the group is looking to collect include canned and other non-perishable foods, pet food and household items like cleaning supplies. They will not be taking monetary donations.
Donations can currently be dropped off at Griffin Toyota, Pearson’s Trucking, Family Pharmacy and the Hamlet Fire Department.
Steve’s Wings will also be collected items at the rally.
Schoonover said she plans to take them up to Kentucky the day after the rally.
For more information on how to donate, call 910-417-8740 or 910-387-2791.
