SOUTHERN & MIDWEST TORNADOES

RELIEF IN ACTION: DECEMBER 13, 2021

PHOTO BY SCOTT OLSON/GETTY IMAGES

The city of Mayfield, Kentucky, was one of the communities hit hardest by the tragic tornado outbreak.

Red Cross Aids Communities Devastated by Deadly Tornadoes

The American Red Cross is working tirelessly to help
people in the wake of the deadly and destructive
tornadoes that tore through parts of the South and
Midwest over the weekend.
‘Everything Is Just Gone’
More than 30 tornadoes ripped across the region Friday
night in one of the most devastating tornado outbreaks in
U.S. history.
Sadly, dozens of people lost their lives — with over 60
killed in Kentucky alone. More families may receive
tragic news as search-and-rescue operations
continue.
As of Monday, the situation on the ground remained
dire. Debris and personal belongings overflowed into
the streets, and roads in hard-hit areas were
impassable.
“Right now, the need is very great,” said Steve Cunanan,
regional executive of the Kentucky Red Cross. “I’ve seen
firsthand that there has been so much devastation.
People lost loved ones, their homes, everything is just
gone for them. We’re moving as quickly as we can to get
much needed support to these communities that are
unrecognizable now.”
Red Cross Aids Survivors
Red Cross volunteers and employees are working around
the clock to deliver sorely needed relief. On Sunday night,
the Red Cross and our partners provided safe refuge to
nearly 300 people in Arkansas, Kentucky and Tennessee.
This relief means everything to people like Sharon Wilson, of
Bowling Green, Kentucky, who’s staying in a Red Cross-
managed shelter. A tornado left her home of 17 years in
shambles. “When I got out, I saw how it had ruined my home,”
Sharon said. “The walls of my bedroom had collapsed, the
roof was damaged and rain was pouring in. My front door was
gone and my living room was now an outdoor space.”
In addition to shelter, we’re providing nourishing food,
comfort kits and health services. Trained Red Cross
workers are also offering emotional support to residents
coping with these life-changing tornadoes.
Our work is only beginning. Thousands are counting on us
for help and hope. We can be there for them in this
heartbreaking time thanks to compassionate donors like you.

How You Can Help

Help people affected by tornadoes in the South and Midwest. Your donation enables the Red Cross to prepare for,
respond to and help people recover from these disasters. Please contact your relationship manager to learn more. To
donate by check, write “Southern and Midwest Tornadoes” in the memo line, and mail it to your local Red Cross chapter
or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37839, Boone, IA 50037-0839.