On March 2, 2012, several Southern and Eastern Kentucky counties were hit by an EF-3 tornado which caused extensive damage. The Morgan County community of West Liberty suffered the most destruction. At least four people were killed, and West Liberty’s downtown area – the civic and economic heart of the community – was utterly devastated. Countless homes, farms, churches and businesses were lost.

In response to these events, Morgan County Christian Social Services worked with Bank of the Mountains to establish the West Liberty Tornado Relief Fund. The primary purpose of these funds is to assist individuals and families, particularly farmers, with the rebuilding of homes and farms. Funds will also be used to deliver supplies to affected areas, remove debris and brush, find temporary or new permanent residences for victims, and to assist in the recovery of personal items. To ensure that funds are allocated properly, applicants must provide proof of Morgan County residency.

Lockheed Martin responded to the need of Morgan County residents by donating $10,000 to the West Liberty Tornado Relief Fund through United Way of the Bluegrass. Lockheed Martin’s financial contribution will allow the company to assist in the ongoing emergency relief efforts taking place in Morgan County and to assist in the rebuilding of the community.

“As individuals, when tragedy strikes, we always look for ways to help our friends and neighbors,” said Hector Alvarez, Lockheed Martin Vice President of Kentucky Operations. “Our employees live and work in some of the areas affected by these storms and Lockheed Martin believes this is one of the ways we can help our neighbors in their time of need.”
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About United Way of the Bluegrass
United Way is working to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health. These are the building blocks of for a good life – a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement, and good health. Our goal is to create long-lasting changes that prevent problems from happening in the first place. We invite you to be a part of the change. Together, united, we can inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow. That’s what it means to LIVE UNITED. For more information, visitwww.uwbg.org or call 859.233.4460.

For more information, contact:
David Kitchen
Director of Brand Strategy
United Way of the Bluegrass
859-967-1923
david.kitchen@uwbg.org