Giving continues to hurricane victims
ASHLAND The Tri-State continues providing help to those hit by Hurricane Helene, followed almost immediately by Hurricane Milton.
Ironton Fire Department Chief Mike Mahlmeister said the local International Association of Fire Fighters (532) has been leading the charge to collect nonperishable food, cases of water, diapers and other baby needs, toothbrushes and toothpaste, wipes, hand sanitizer, batteries, adult diapers, protein bars, tuna packets, crackers, flashlights, batteries, hand sanitizer, powdered milk and pet food, after IAFF Local 532 President Zack Kriebel saw some footage from the hurricane and decided they could help.
Donations may be brought to the fire station at 526 South Fourth St.
"You can go to the front corner at Fourth and Jefferson and ring the bell," Mahlmeister said.
They are planning to accept donations through Tuesday, when union officials will make arrangements to transport the supplies.
"We've had a fairly good response so far from citizens," Mahlmeister said. "We got a pretty good collection of stuff. I'm glad they showed initiative to help."
Melissa Harvey, Principal at Ironton Middle School, said members of the Ironton Middle School Kids Care Club, a civic group aiming to give back, decided it would be a good project to take donations to send to hard-hit areas.
"Anybody can drop off donations at the middle or elementary side," Harvey said. "Student council members and two teachers will collect them and bring them to the middle school side."
Items needed include nonperishable food, baby wipes, baby formula, sippy cups and plastic plates.
"They plan to collect items until Friday and probably will extend that because of Hurricane Milton," Harvey said.
Singer-songwriter Shelby Lore of Ashland is organizing a music event for Thursday (today) and Friday at Giovanni's Pizza and Pub in Summit to benefit hurricane relief efforts.
The show on the new outdoor stage will include performances by Gary Nichols, Shelby Lore Band, Laid Back Country Picker, Mountain Oyster Cult, Corduroy Brown, Sean Whiting, Eric Bolander, Holly Forbes, Lenzie Helms, Adam Crank, Earley Kelley and others.
Lore said his band has performed in Asheville so the disaster is personal.
"I want to help everybody I can, but these are Appalachian folks like we are," Lore said. "Appalachian people are just a different breed. Everybody is no nice and inviting and treat you like family. When you lave, you feel like you just made a whole new set of friends."
Proceeds from the concerts will go to Hickman Holler Appalachian Relief Fund.
Ticket cost for one day is $30; cost for both days is $50. Tickets cover admission, all-you-can-eat pizza and soft drinks.
He said he also hopes to have another show in December.
