11/09/2022
“Good Unto All” helps historic Eastern Kentucky Flooding July 26th-July 30th
According to the National Weather Service in Jackson KY, “Radar-based rainfall estimates suggest that upwards of 14-16" of rain fell during a 5-day period in a narrow swath, with many more locations receiving 6-10" of rain. Most of this rain fell during the night of July 27th into the morning of July 28th, which is when the most devastating impacts were felt.” “In Whitesburg, the North Fork of the Kentucky River swelled well above major flood stage, reaching close to 21' before gauge failure (the previous flood of record was 14.7' in 1957). The North Fork of the Kentucky River at Jackson also reached major flood, setting a new record crest of 43.47' (the previous record was 43.1' set in 1939). The river flooding caused a second round of destruction for communities in the region and caused flooding in downstream areas that did not receive as much rainfall.”
Many souls in Southeastern Kentucky pillowed their heads on the night of July 27th unaware of the horrific nightmare to which they would awaken. My childhood home where my parents still live in Letcher Co was spared, but many others in Letcher and surrounding counties were not. One lady of whom I know personally shared her experience.
“My husband called me at 2:30 a.m. yelling into the phone, “Baby, you’ve got to get out! I’ve talked to our friend and it’s all the way around the house! Get up!” I walked through rolling waters up to my thigh and climbed up the edge of the yard on my knees to get to the main road. I got to the driveway where the Jeep was in water. I drove it through the water to the road and made it to #1 bottom before I was scared to drive any further in the water. I parked behind a friend’s house and my dog, and I stayed there until 10:30 the next morning. No cell service or internet. I couldn’t call my husband, so he had no idea if I survived. I eventually made it to the house but could only drive by in tears. My husband and I went back in the evening and holding hands, walked through the water into our home. The water was 3 feet deep in the house, 4 feet in the building. The house is muddy. Everything except stuff on the wall or high on shelves is muddy.”
This is one of many stories that have been shared. Others over 3 months later have similar experiences just now becoming known. So overwhelmed many did not know where or to whom they could turn. Having visited the area multiple times and looking at the destruction, there is a feeling of helplessness that overcomes you. You want to help, but where do you begin? For those experiencing the loss, many were paralyzed with grief.
Being from SEKY, many began to reach out to me wanting to help. The generous outpouring of kind, giving hearts left me speechless. Among the 1st to contact my wife and I, was Good unto All. Wilson Adams sent us a message asking how they could help. Rufus Merriweather and I have been in contact for the past several weeks, discussing needs and I recently spoke with Marc and Ruth Morris. Through the generosity of kind hearts “Good Unto All” was blessed to help multiple families in need. $500 was given to an elderly lady to help with foundation repairs. $1000 was given to aid in the purchase of insulation, drywall, and other needed supplies. $2500 was given to an elderly lady who cares for her grandchildren to help purchase insulation, drywall, and other needed supplies. $2500 was given to a lady and her disabled husband to help purchase drywall and other building supplies. $400 was given to an elderly lady to purchase propane for a tank that was donated for heating this winter. $500 was given to a mother of 2 to help purchase insulation, foam pipe wrap and black plastic to go under her trailer.
Below are some of the responses from those who have been helped and the damage they have sustained.
“I am so touched... This will help and it’s not only the money, it the hearts behind this. We have lived with so much stress of running back and forth just trying to get something done. Not one person besides you has reached out. God will surely bless you all.”
“I am so excited. This has been such a horrible time for all people in Letcher County. It’s so sad to look at everything as you drive through the towns.”
“My gratitude is beyond words. God bless you.”
“Oh wow...” “I don't even know what to say. You have no idea how much we appreciate it.”
“Thank you so much this really means the world to me you have no idea…” “This is a huge stress reliever and a blessing I can’t thank you enough.”
“Thank you Jesus I give all thanks and praises to him, but I also have to thank you for being his helper…”
“You truly have been an angel on earth to us…”
“God is so good, and you can be sure we will definitely pay it forward just as soon as we can…”
Through your kind hearts, GOD has been glorified and burdens have been lifted. On a personal note, thank you. To be able to help the hard-working folks of Eastern Kentucky through the willingness of my brothers and sisters in Christ to “Do good unto all…” has strengthened my faith.
Jay Dixon
11/08/22
