Kindness and giving come from the heart

Flooding is nothing new to this region of Appalachia. Recently eastern Kentucky went through some devastating flash floods taking many lives and causing millions of dollars in damages to homes, businesses, schools and other property. The July flooding left scars that will never go away.

This reminds us of the many floods we have had here in the Tug Valley area. We know how difficult it is for those affected and the heartbreak it causes.

But when these types of disasters occur, you see the empathy neighboring communities have for the victims.

Time and time again we see organizations, church groups, individuals and many more step up to help those who lost everything they had. Donations of nonperishable food, bottled water, clothing, cleaning supplies and much more have come pouring into the rural areas of Kentucky.

Groups from other states, like neighboring West Virginia, have taken up donations to assist those hit hard by the roaring, muddy water of the numerous creeks and rivers that overflowed their banks.

Creeks turned into rivers, rivers into lakes and they left devastation behind.

Seeing these acts of kindness and goodness continue weeks after the flooding is fantastic.

It’s great to see politicians come in to see firsthand the damage left behind. But of course, they are there for the cameras and publicity. Hopefully they will push for more federal and state agencies to help out with money and other governmental organizations to can help these people.

This fix won’t be overnight. It won’t even be a year. For some, it will take years and even a lifetime. The disaster will haunt many for years with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder.)

However we can help them to get out of the mud and back on their feet.

The giving by Appalachian citizens comes from the heart. It’s just the nature of the good people of this region. The response has been tremendous.

There are many ways you can help. Local and regional groups continue to gather supplies. The American Red Cross always has assistance. You can go online and find ways to help eastern Kentucky.

Continue to give if you can or volunteer to help in any way you can.

Water is a powerful force and can sweep away lives and property. But the kindness of the Appalachian people is just as mighty.