Flooding across eastern Kentucky has put children at great risk

In the wake of deadly and destructive flooding across eastern Kentucky, hundreds of children and families have lost everything they have. Many kids are left unsure of what their future might hold. 

Save the Children’s emergency response team and local program staff in Kentucky, where we have worked since 1932, are working to meet the most urgent needs of children living in some of the areas hardest hit.

Your donation to Save the Children’s Eastern Kentucky Flood Crisis Fund can help provide desperately needed relief to families impacted by the flooding.

Here's what you need to know about the flooding in Kentucky and how to help

Save the Children staff member Kim Bolling, left, with Actor and Save the Children Trustee Jennifer Garner, center, and NBC News Correspondent Cynthia McFadden stand beside Rosie the Readiness Bus as they deliver aid to families impacted by the flooding in Kentucky.

Save the Children staff member Kim Bolling, left, with Actor and Save the Children Trustee Jennifer Garner, center, and NBC News Correspondent Cynthia McFadden stand beside Rosie the Readiness Bus as they deliver cash cards, hot meals, books, and more to families impacted by the flooding in eastern Kentucky. 

How extensive is the damage from the flooding in Kentucky?

The flooding has washed away roads and bridges, engulfed families’ homes, and many have lost power – and it is still unsafe for water rescues in some areas. With more rain forecasted, the situation will likely worsen. Some areas have lost access to drinkable water and it could take weeks for services to be restored.

What do children and families impacted by the flooding in eastern Kentucky need right?

With hundreds of children and families facing loss and uncertainty, they might not know when they'll get back to their normal routine. Some children might not know where their friends and family members are yet. It can be a very scary and stressful situation for kids.

Some areas have lost access to drinkable water and it could take weeks for services to be restored. Families need critical supplies like clean drinking water, food, hygiene supplies, diapers, cleaning supplies and a safe place to live. 

How is Save the Children helping children and families impacted by the flooding in Kentucky?

With emergency supplies pre-positioned ahead of the flooding, Save the Children staff are working to deliver essential items to eastern Kentucky kids, families and communities – including water, cash cards, hygiene kits, diapers, wipes, cribs, and cleaning supplies for schools.

With three schools already declared a total loss, we are also engaging local early learning partners to support the needs among the area’s schools and early learning and child care centers.

We are also providing art activity kits, games and toys to kids and families in area shelters, so kids have an opportunity to be kids again.

How does Save the Children work in Kentucky?

Save the Children has been working in Kentucky’s rural communities since 1932, providing support to children and families most impacted by poverty and inequality.

  • Today, this includes leading high-quality early education programs in some of the most impoverished rural communities, to help children succeed in school and life.

As the national leader in protecting children in emergencies, Save the Children has been helping America’s children recover from major disasters since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Our experts offer programs and tips to help keep children save, including tips for how to stay safe in a flood. 

How can I help children and families impacted by the flooding in Kentucky?

Your donation to the 2022 Eastern Kentucky Flood Crisis Fund can help support children and families who have lost everything and are in need of support.

Learn more about our charity ratings and why Save the Children is one of the best children's charity organizations to donate to right now.

Updated: August 8, 2022

In Photos: 2022 Kentucky Floods

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