Initial clean-up efforts continue across western Kentucky after the devastating tornado of December 10, 2021, and will likely take months more due to the amount of debris. Communities are now establishing long-term recovery committees and are just starting to plan for volunteers outside of Kentucky, but a process is not yet in place.

The Kentucky Conference of The United Methodist Church will soon be naming a volunteer coordinator so they can make plans to receive Early Response Teams. The Kentucky Conference is asking all those wanting to come help to please wait until the plans are organized so they can safely receive and house teams and have work planned for the teams once they arrive.

“On behalf of the West Ohio Conference, please do not go to Kentucky until the proper plans have been established for your safety and so work can be done properly,” says Jeff Walker, West Ohio Conference Disaster Response Coordinator. “Please keep all these efforts in your prayers.” Donations to UMCOR’s U.S. Disaster Response Advance #901670 are still being accepted, by check and online.