"Something had to be done"

In the aftermath of the outbreak that killed at least 34 people, Jim Byrge and Tony Ross of Information Technology  contacted the Lexington Campus Community Engagement Team to discuss what type of assistance we could provide.

“I just felt that something had to be done to help that area rebuild,” said Byrge.

He and Ross, along with help from Rusty Wade of Office Services, Cindy Brown of Human Resources, Daryl Love, manager of Community Relations, and other Lexington campus employees, organized a collection of donations for tornado victims. The relief effort was coordinated with the Christian Appalachian Project, a charity serving that part of the state since the 1960s. Items were collected on March 9 and 13.

Guy Adams, chief executive officer of the organization, said it was one of the largest pick-ups of its kind for tornado relief victims, and they were very excited to receive this aid from Ashland.  

"I am always blown away by how much our employees care about the community," added Byrge. "All the effort in making this a success falls on the employees of Ashland. I was amazed by the amount of stuff we donated."

Relief check helps first responders
Fire departments in two affected counties in eastern Kentucky where Ashland has a history of operations will be helped through a $5,000 donation. The check was presented to the Red Bush Fire Department. Chief Buell Webb, a former Ashland employee, said it would be shared with other small fire departments in Johnson and Lawrence counties. 

Ashland donates to Red Cross
Ashland donated $10,000 to the disaster relief fund of the American Red Cross after the storms swept across 11 U.S. states. The organization has sheltered hundreds of displaced victims, served more than 42,000 meals and snacks and handed out nearly 14,000 relief items. 

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