When Chris Newbrough saw the devastation left in the wake of the tornado that struck Mayfield, Ky., he knew he had to do something. Visiting with his wife, Pearl, the two were soon organizing a relief drive, collecting non-perishable food, bottled water and monetary donations. 

And the community has responded and continues to respond, giving goods and money to help lessen the burden of victims of the Dec.10 storm. Partners like Randy Maxwell at Maxwell Trailers stepped up, too, offering the use of a 16-foot enclosed trailer to transport donations to their final Kentucky destination.

The delivery will be made after the first of the year to a drop-off point in Paducah, located about 30 miles outside of Mayfield. With a background in media, Newbrough has covered tragedies, and he’s gotten additional insight working for Audrain County Health Department in recent years.  He’s gained an understanding of what people need in times like these, and still recalls the 2011 Joplin tornado that leveled much of that town. So, too, do the folks of Audrain County, who have opened their pocketbooks and offered their help.

“We’ve had good response so far,” Newbrough said. “People are being generous.”

One example of generosity came during a recent meeting when a local organization and its auxiliary donated a total of $2,000 after hearing the appeal.

“That was absolutely incredible,” Newbrough said. “They didn’t have to do that, and they did it.”

In the wake of such a major storm, Newbrough knows that Kentucky residents and relief workers are struggling to recover.  And that’s a sentiment that’s been confirmed having visited with those on site.

“Local resources can become overwhelmed so quickly,” said  Newbrough.

Donations are being taken through this Friday, Dec. 31. Monetary contributions should be dropped off at Central Bank in Mexico, and earmarked for the Mayfield Mercy account. Money will ultimately go to Lutheran Disaster Relief. 

“They’ll be able to make it stretch further than we ever could,” said Newbrough.

Non-perishable food and bottled water can be dropped off at Kirk Ekern State Farm, Precision Eyecare, Century 21, Audrain County Health Department and The Help Center.

“I just want to say a huge ‘thank you’ to those who have already given and to those who will,” Newbrough said. “It’s amazing to watch people be able to help other people - and to not expect anything in return.”