Working through a local foundation, the Heaven Hill Distillery Visitors Center team delivered four pallets of hand sanitizer to flood victims.

The team’s act of generosity came on the heels of record rainfall that sent rivers out of their banks, leading to multiple water rescues, mudslides, road closures and power outages. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency March 1.

“Seeing the damage and devastation here in these communities/counties, we knew we had to act,” said Jeff Crowe, Director of Kentucky Experiences. “Our team worked together to quickly answer the call.”

The team saw their chance when Jeff received a call for donations from the Hickman Holler Appalachian Relief Fund, which was donating $20,000 in support to flood relief victims. Established in 2020, the HHARF works to bring awareness and financial support for philanthropic efforts in the Appalachian Region.

In addition to financial support, HHARF requested donations of desperately needed items for the Wolfe County Extension Office, which is acting as a hub to also bring supplies to surrounding counties. Joe Skaggs, Inventory Specialist, was quick to pivot from his daily duties to ensure these were loaded and delivered to the extension office recently.

The Visitor Center team was the first to deliver, followed by seven others across the state, according to Karine Maynard, organizer. She added that she was impressed with our team’s quick call to action.

The supplies were distributed across Wolfe, Estill and several other eastern Kentucky counties affected by the floods.