We Deliver Hope

BY TINA V. BRYSON

Hope is a powerful thing. Sometimes, even in the most dire of circumstances, it is knowing that you are not alone that gives you strength to face whatever comes next. After a catastrophic EF4 tornado hit Western Kentucky in early December, emergency management staff were overwhelmed by the generosity of donations that poured in from across the nation. Christian Apppalachian Project (CAP) was asked to manage the logistics of getting essentials to families in need. The tornado left tragedy in its wake with at least 80 dead, 12 counties impacted, and more than 12,000 families registered with FEMA for assistance.

“There was a large outpouring of donations to help families in the region. CAP coordinated volunteers who organized and distributed essentials as quickly as possible to address a variety of needs in the community,” said Robyn Renner, director of CAP’s Disaster Relief Program.

Renner is no stranger to disaster relief efforts and understood that this was a critical time for emergency management personnel who had to do the difficult work of search and rescue immediately following the five tornadoes that touched down in Western Kentucky with one wreaking havoc over 220 miles from Arkansas through Kentucky and Tennessee.

“It’s not just Disaster Relief, CAP’s Operation Sharing Program also transported numerous tractor trailer loads of donated items to impacted communities. We could not have done this without their support,” Renner said. “Whenever disaster strikes, Operation Sharing coordinates with partners to provide water, nonperishable food items, hygiene items, and other essentials.”

Operation Sharing logged 4,400 miles with our work in Bowling Green, Kentucky, including 47 individual trips to transport donated items to and from the regional distribution center and other smaller sites throughout the impacted states. This critical work helped get essential items to tornado victims, many who were stranded because their vehicles were also damaged during the tornadoes. Each week, Operation Sharing sent a forklift driver to assist with logistics at the Bowling Green Distribution Center.

Volunteers came from across Kentucky, as well as other states. Just over 500 volunteers, including CAP employees and volunteers, assisted 4,218 participants (1,533 households). This totaled more than 3,650 volunteer hours. Becky Neuenschwander, who coordinates CAP’s Mission Groups Program, assisted Renner with logistics at the distribution center. “For me, it's been eye opening. CAP being there made a huge impact for the city of Bowling Green, especially for the distribution center,” Neuenschwander said. “We were consistent and we showed up every week with a team of 15-20 volunteers who were dedicated to getting the work done. We saw what we could do to get more donations in and get the people what they needed. It’s part of the CAP culture to go to wherever the need is and to find a way to be able to pivot and respond to that need.”

Renner is quick to remind supporters that a response to a disaster of this magnitude is a marathon and not a sprint.

“In the wake of such devastating natural disasters, our first concern is always for the people impacted. Every situation is different, and we assess each disaster, especially outside of Eastern Kentucky,” Renner added. “What we know is that natural disasters of this scale draw lots of media attention and assistance immediately following, but these communities will need assistance for months, even a year out.”

Neuenschwander said even after a few weeks she saw a difference in interactions with community members who came to the distribution center.

“Then, they were trying to deal with what had happened to them. They needed support,” she added. “We tried to put them with a counselor or clergy because now they were wanting to share their story and show you pictures, and just have someone to talk to about it. Some of them were just struggling to come to terms with what had happened and what the next step was.”

Community volunteers also became a part of the CAP family in helping survivors sign up for services and select needed essentials from the center. FEMA and Red Cross were also housed in the Bowling Green Distribution Center which provided a one-stop emergency assistance hub.

“I’ve gotten so much from my community. I feel like I am doing what God asked to pay it forward,” said Johnalma Barnett, a retired logistics manager with Western Kentucky University who volunteered at the distribution center. “If you didn’t have any damage at all, then you’re blessed. It’s a chance to bless someone else. We just need to help each other.”

“I’ve gotten so much from my community. I feel like I am doing what God asked to pay it forward.” — Johnalma Barnett

Lexington Christian Academy and Ronald McDonald House partnered with CAP to send water and other essential supplies to the victims of the Western Kentucky tornadoes.

CAP’s Operation Sharing Program transported essential items and donations to and around Western Kentucky after tornadoes impacted the area. Pictured is Richard Smith, an Operation Sharing tractor trailer driver.

First Lady of the United States Jill Biden, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and Kentucky First Lady Britainy Beshear (Below) visited CAP’s distribution center in Bowling Green to speak with and thank CAP staff and volunteers.

Kathy Kluesener, a former CAP employee, helped sort diapers, baby wipes, and other infant essentials at the distribution center in Bowling Green during January.