How to Support Victims of Recent Tornados

First Presbyterian Church of Mayfield was destroyed

In the early hours of December 11th, several tornadoes ripped through multiple U.S. states, resulting in extensive damage and significant loss of life. The Presbytery of Western Kentucky was hardest hit and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is already onsite. PDA is working with the affected presbyteries to coordinate resources and assistance.

Many are asking how they can support those affected by the tornadoes. The best way to assist is to donate to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance using the code DR000015.  

Another way to help in this and future disasters is to assemble disaster recovery buckets.  Buckets can be shipped to Ferncliff Conference Center.  There is also a drop off location in Immokalee, FL.  Information on preparing and shipping the buckets can be found at Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (pcusa.org)

Contents of the Disaster Buckets

Photo by Kathy Broyard, FLAPDAN

(Value $75, recommended $3 processing fee per bucket)

  • 1 — 5-gallon bucket with resealable lid
  • 4 — scouring pads
  • 7 — sponges, assorted sizes
  • 1 — scrub brush
  • 1 — pkg. cleaning towels (18 reusable, like Easy Wipes®)
  • 1 — 50 oz. or two 25 oz. bottle(s) of liquid laundry detergent
  • 1 — liquid concentrated household cleaner (like Lysol®), 12 oz.
  • 1 — bottle liquid disinfectant dish soap (like Dawn®), 24-28 oz.
  • 1 — 1 pkg. clothespins, 48-50 
  • 1 — Clothesline, two 50 ft. or one 100 ft.
  • 5 — dust masks
  • 2 pair — heavy-duty, waterproof dishwashing gloves (latex-free, non-surgical)
  • 1 pair — work gloves
  • 1 — 24 to 28 count roll heavy-duty trash bags (30-45 gallon, remove from carton)
  • 1 — bottle insect repellant (pump, drops or lotion; not aerosol), 6-9 oz.

Please purchase all liquids in plastic bottles. Send only new, unopened materials. Put all items in the plastic bucket, packed securely to avoid damage during shipment, and seal lid with packing tape.

Some local fast-food restaurants are willing to give pickle buckets (or other 5-gallon buckets with re-sealable lids) or offer them for a small fee. These can be washed out and used for the cleanup buckets.