BY LISA STAYTON
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Following the devastating flood that swelled the Tug Fork River to a crest of 51.22 feet Feb. 17 in Kermit (its highest level since the record 54.5 feet on April 6, 1977), relief efforts in Martin County were swift. As the muddy water receded, individuals and organizations stepped up—donating, distributing and providing critical support to those affected.
As relief efforts poured in, Martin County Health Department Director Eric Mills turned his attention to the county’s flood-impacted children.
Mills’ concern began at Riverside Apartments and Dempsey Housing on KY-292 north of Warfield. Rising water from the river surrounded the complexes, trapping residents. The National Guard tried to reach them but could not get through the deep floodwaters covering the road. After a rescue truck overturned in the current, responders backed off and rethought their plan.
Mills, who also serves as chairman of the Martin County Housing Authority, drove a side-by-side through the hills on rough trails from Inez to the riverfront to communicate with Riverside residents.
“I was worried about the river but even more worried about no power for 10 days and snow and freezing temps on the way right after,” Mills said.
Since rescue boats also were not an option in the swift, frigid floodwaters, emergency management called on the Kentucky Air Guard’s 123rd Special Tactics Squadron for help.
Using UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from the Indiana Army National Guard and the Kentucky Army National Guard’s 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade, crews airlifted the trapped residents to Big Sandy Regional Airport in Debord. At the airport, a Contingency Response team from the Kentucky Air National Guard set up a passenger terminal to process evacuees. Then Kentucky State Police transported them to a shelter at Inez Elementary School.
In the days that followed, Mills could not stop thinking about the children caught in the disaster.
“I’ve thought about the flooded families and also the kids who had to be airlifted out,” Mills said in the aftermath. “I’m sure that was pretty scary for a lot of those little kids. Some of the kids probably thought riding a helicopter was cool, but I’m sure several were pretty traumatized by it.”
Determined to bring some joy back to their lives, Mills spearheaded “Rebuilding Joy,” a toy and gift drive for flood-impacted children of all ages, infants through high school.
“No one is thinking yet about the impacted kids losing all their toys and playthings,” he said.
Partnering with the nonprofit Thrive Community Coalition, Give Like Santa, the Magoffin County Health Department and other organizations and individuals, Mills gathered truckloads of toys and gifts for the children. On March 7, he presented them to Martin County Family Resource and Youth Service Center (FRYSC) directors at the health department.
“You all have shown up and shown out. Not just the people of Martin County but the people in surrounding counties,” Mills said. “We’re grateful to have our friend Pete Shepherd from the Magoffin County Health Department with us and many others who have contributed to this effort.”
Mills gave special recognition to Five Below for their generous donation.
“Five Below delivered ‘tons of toys’ as a contribution to the effort to rebuild joy for kids,” he said.
Calling the FRYSC directors “heroes,” Mills emphasized their vital role in the community.
“We’re grateful for their partnership in our community and all they do for our kids,” he said.
Among those in attendance was Dr. Steven Stack, Kentucky’s Commissioner of Public Health.
“The role of health departments is broad. We are champions of public health and wellness in our communities,” Mills noted. “That takes on a lot of different phases through times of adversity, especially in disasters and some of the work we do in preparedness and things of that nature.”
Dr. Stack echoed this sentiment, mentioning the resilience of eastern Kentucky communities.
“It breaks our heart that eastern Kentucky has been hit repeatedly with natural disasters that have really devastated communities,” Stack said. “But each time these disasters have happened, the communities have been resilient. And one thing that is clearly a persistent part of eastern Kentucky culture is that it’s family—people look out for each other—and this is a wonderful initiative.”
He also acknowledged the transformation of the Martin County Health Department.
“My last visit to Martin County was a little over two years ago,” Stack said. “The transformation of this health department as a vibrant resource for the community is absolutely amazing. I want to compliment Director Mills and his team here for the wonderful progress they’ve made. … You’re in great hands here with the team at the health department. It’s great to be part of this public health team.”
Mills agreed, emphasizing the collective strength of the community.
“In these times of adversity, we are a family that pulls together,” Mills said. “And that’s what all of you have shown and reminded us of yet again here today. Thanks again for all of that.”
Another surprise waited in the wings. Santa Claus himself (Matthew Ising) had just arrived from his vacation in Florida. He thanked Mills for inviting his nonprofit Give Like Santa to be part of the initiative.
“We are Give Like Santa and we try to do that every day of the year and teach everyone to do the same,” Santa said. “We’ve been out and about, calling on our friends and family, and called on Five Below. Truckloads—three truckloads—came in.”
Santa and Mrs. Claus (Angela Ising) called on Donato’s Pizza in Ashland. They also called on social media for Children’s Hospital Columbus, which donated books.
“The word has been spread and I’m so happy to be here to help deliver these presents,” Santa added.
Mills said that the University of Kentucky Healthcare was sending gifts. In the meantime, random Amazon boxes had been showing up from people who purchased gifts.
Kara Beth Marcum, FRYSC director at Martin County High School, spoke on behalf of the resource centers.
“This was a great idea,” Marcum said. “A lot of our kids are helping with the cleanup of their homes. Usually we’re there to give them cleaning supplies and make sure they have clothes, shoes and school supplies. But sometimes we forget about special things like toys. This is really nice and the kids will really be appreciative. Thanks to the county, the surrounding counties and the community for stepping up to this.”
She assured attendees that the toys on display were only a portion of what she peeked at in the backrooms.
Before closing, Mills reminded the community that mental health resources were available for those struggling with the trauma of the flood.
“We’ve been grateful to have a lot of partners out there through the disaster response effort,” he said. “And we’d love to make sure that you are taking care of yourself just like you’re trying to take care of your homes and your families in this difficult time.”
As the ceremony concluded, Santa presented a large red bag to FRYSC directors Marcum, Jennifer Alley, Amanda Stepp and Andrea Muncy.
On March 14, health department personnel and FRYSC directors distributed over 3,000 toys at the Warfield Park Community Center. They brought smiles, joy and a little piece of childhood back to the kids who needed it most.
