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Wise: We are one Kentucky family this Christmas season

By Senator Max Wise

In light of the tragic aftermath of the severe weather that swept across the Commonwealth last weekend, instead of delivering season's greetings and wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas, my message takes a different tone. I pray that your Christmas season is filled with love and blessings, and you will remember the reason for the season. However, as we all know, many of our fellow Kentuckians are facing unimaginable pain, grief, and loss. That includes our neighbors here in the 16th District.

For many, the seasonal festivities that make Christmas so joyful will not be their experience this year. The days, weeks, and months ahead will prove difficult in ways most can never imagine. That is why we must unite as one Kentucky and work to bring hope, love, and peace to those who lost so much in a matter of hours. For a great example of our state's united response, look to the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund, which has raised millions in contributions to help Kentuckians impacted by severe weather. Consider making a tax-deductible contribution at TeamWKYReliefFund.ky.gov.


The Kentucky Department of Agriculture and Kentucky Farm Bureau have joined forces to help raise funds for agricultural-related recovery efforts. You can donate to the Kentucky Agriculture Relief Fund via the GoFundMe page at gofundme.com/f/kyagrelieffund.

Additionally, I want to bring your attention to more local efforts. Taylor County Bank has set up an account to collect funds for tornado victims. You can bring donations to any Taylor County Bank branch. I am grateful for everyone who has stepped up to help others during this heartbreaking time.

Coming off the heels of the pandemic, many who have been personally impacted are understandably facing challenging times. We can do so much as a community to ease the pain of the losses suffered. Lend a helping hand at your local shelter or supply distribution center. Consider donating to Toys for Tots to provide Christmas to a child who has been forever affected by this tragedy. Donate blood if you are able and lift up your neighbors in prayer.

If you were directly impacted, please visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 to find how to apply for disaster relief. You will need to provide information such as your:
  • Address with the zip code
  • Conditions of your damaged home
  • Insurance information (if available)
  • Social Security Number
  • Phone number, and the best address where you can receive mail or an email address to receive electronic notifications.
I was on the ground in Taylor County the morning of December 11. I saw the damage first hand. A 'thank you' alone does not do justice to the incredible men and women who serve in fire and rescue, EMS, and law enforcement. These first responders were joined by school volunteers, utility workers, ministerial groups, and their efforts were lifted up by local media outlets to help the families affected by the storm. To all who stepped up and went above and beyond, please know how grateful our community is to you.

The devastation experienced in our communities impacted by this natural disaster will weigh heavily on all of us this holiday season. Let us be grateful for the blessings in our lives, including those who are there for us in moments of need --be it family, friends, neighbors, or strangers offering a helping hand. I want to express my sincerest gratitude to We cannot undo the tragedies across the Commonwealth; we can choose to be a positive force for recovery as a united Kentucky.


Senator Max Wise (R-Campbellsville) represents the 16th District, which includes Adair, Clinton, Cumberland, McCreary, Russell, Taylor, and Wayne Counties. He is chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Education and co-chair of the Education Assessment and Accountability Review Subcommittee. Senator Wise also serves as a member of the Senate Standing Committees on Health and Welfare, Agriculture, and Transportation, and is a liaison member of the Budget Review Subcommittee on Education. Additionally, he is a member of the 2022-2024 Budget Preparation and Submission Subcommittee and the Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee.


This story was posted on 2021-12-17 07:34:43
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