Violent storms ripped through multiple states and devastated a wide swath of Western Kentucky overnight. Officials are reporting dozens of casualties and widespread destruction.
Mayfield, Kentucky, a city with a population of around 10,000 located in Graves County, was hit hard.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said he believes "at least dozens" of workers at a candle factory there were killed in a roof collapse when a tornado struck Friday evening.
In response to the havoc, several disaster relief organizations are asking for help in delivering aid to those impacted by the storms.
Matthew 25: Ministries, the Cincinnati-based nonprofit, says it is planning to deploy its disaster response team and ship aid to Mayfield and other affected communities.
"The loss of life and destruction is truly heartbreaking," CEO Tim Mettey said in a news release. "We will help those impacted during this holiday season and will continue helping into the new year."
The organization is asking for donations of money, cases of bottled water, personal hygiene products, cleaning supplies, paper products, first-aid items, as well as baby and infant supplies.
More information about how to donate can be found here.
The American Red Cross says it's also contributing to the relief effort in multiple states, with volunteers and staff from the regions of Central and Southern Ohio ready to mobilize to Western Kentucky.
Anyone looking to donate can visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or text REDCROSS to 90999.
Disaster teams with the Salvation Army in Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky and Tennessee are also mobilizing in response to Friday night's tornadoes, the organization said on social media. Donations can be made online at give.helpsalvationarmy.org.
The Louisville Courier-Journal contributed to this report.
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