Following deadly tornadoes that have claimed the lives of more than 70 in Kentucky and more in other southern and midwestern states, HyVee has sent its disaster relief teams to help those affected.
Dawn Buzynski, a public relations representative with the grocery chain, shared more about the company's decision with News Talk 830 WCCO's Sheletta Brundidge.
After the storms destroyed several towns, leaving those who survived without water, power, and supplies, HyVee employees decided to mobilize its disaster recovery relief fleet to aid those in Kentucky and Tennessee.
The company sent 19 vehicles, including 10 semi's, HyVee's disaster command center, six disaster recovery pickup trucks, two SUVs, and 37 employees, from Iowa yesterday morning carrying water and food for those in need.
"We arrived last night, so it was dark, but we had to mobilize last night outside of Mayfield, and we just drove in this morning," Buzynski said.
Related
While they didn't observe much damage arriving last night, it was clear how bad it was this morning.
"We drove in, and very quickly we saw juxtaposition from the damage where all of a sudden… trees were flattened debris was everywhere," Buzynski said. "We see damage from homes and roofs ripped off."
After the team arrived, they split up with trailers of water going to Madisonville, and Bowling Green, Kentucky.
She added that another non-profit, Operation Barbecue Relief, will help with a mass feeding event in Mayfield for those in need.
Residents will not only be able to get food, but Buzynski added that they have pallets of drinking water available, with many residents unable to get water and those who can being under a boil advisory with no electricity to do so.
"We're going to start going into some of the neighborhoods and just start delivering water to those who might not be able to get out right now," Buzynski said.
Related
HyVee currently has stores in eight different states, and even though Kentucky is not one of those states, they still lent a helping hand.
"It doesn't matter. A community is in need. We knew we could help, we knew we could get down here, and we could mobilize quickly," Buzynski said.
She added that after seeing what had happened on Saturday morning, a text went out, and employees had a plan together in just 24 hours.
"We had the means, and it doesn't matter that we don't have a store down here," Buzynski said. "It doesn't matter. There is a community in need, and we can help, so we want to help, and we came down."
