4 minute read
United in the Wake of Disaster
By KATIE RAY ’24
In February, a prolonged period of heavy rain brought widespread flooding to Kentucky and surrounding areas, displacing countless families and leaving communities in dire need of help. The days following the flood were filled with chaos and uncertainty, but University of Pikeville faculty, staff and students immediately stepped up, ensuring resources reached those most in need.
The UPIKE Family Flood Support Emergency Fund, established through the swift generosity of donors, was promptly activated to provide critical financial aid. Thanks to the contributions of donors, the fund has already offered essential support to many students and staff who lost their homes and possessions. The funds have been used to cover emergency housing, vital supplies and rebuilding efforts. The fund remains open to donations, ensuring that all contributions directly benefit those impacted.
Assistant Dean of Health and Wellness and University Chaplain Robert Musick, D.Min., with the support of local agencies, set up volunteer shifts, reaching out to campus to assist in the cleanup. Even as snow blanketed the area shortly after the flood, delaying some efforts, nothing stopped the determined Bears from showing up and giving their all. More than 170 students, faculty and staff worked in shifts, serving 34 homes over 14 days. From mucking out homes to hauling away destroyed furniture, volunteers tackled relief work with relentless determination. Many went above what was expected, proving that service extends far beyond the classroom.
“Each day, as more and more images came across the screens of loss, damage and now piles of possessions on front lawns, it was heartbreaking. Thankfully, we are not without the power to help. No matter their ability, each person can make a difference,” said Musick. “Some can get dirty and muck out houses, while others can organize call sheets, pass out water or send messages of encouragement. The movement of love and compassion is what makes Eastern Kentucky a beautiful place.”
Students from the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine volunteered with Operation Eat to distribute food and water to flood victims. KYCOM students and faculty, even those who had just recently relocated to the area, quickly offered time, money and resources. In just a few hours, students raised nearly $1,000 to fund additional relief efforts. Many who had traveled home over the weekend returned with supplies, ensuring displaced families had access to essentials. Others directly assisted by clearing debris and volunteering at hospitals.
The Kentucky College of Optometry also played a significant role in relief efforts. Volunteers assisted Mercy Chefs at Shelby Valley High School, prepared meals at Pike Central High School and delivered meals through Floyd County schools. KYCO also organized an Amazon donation list, raising more than $5,700 in supplies that were distributed to local schools, organizations and directly to families who lost their homes. The Pikeville Lions Club, which includes both UPIKE and local community members, helped clean out homes and issued a call for donations from other Lions Club chapters. The funds raised went directly toward helping families rebuild their homes.
The women’s soccer and golf teams also served meals with Mercy Chefs, while volleyball players assisted at the Dream Center Thrift Store. Cheerleaders participated in cleanup operations, and both soccer teams helped clear out the local newspaper building to create space for donated supplies. The Writing Center and men’s and women’s basketball teams coordinated additional collection efforts. For many students, the experience of volunteering was life changing. Some expressed the emotional toll of seeing the destruction firsthand. Others found joy in helping, even if it meant getting dirty and cold. Many students who were not from the region were surprised by how quickly the community came together, noting that the outpouring of support from neighbors and strangers alike was unlike anything they had seen before.
UPIKE alumni also joined the relief efforts, eager to give back to the community that had once supported them. Many traveled from surrounding areas to lend a hand, working alongside students to clear debris, distribute supplies and provide comfort to those affected. Their presence reinforced the deep connection between UPIKE and its graduates, showing that the spirit of service extends well beyond campus.
“The students, faculty, staff, alumni and donors who stepped up in this crisis are the heart of UPIKE,” said Musick. “They didn’t just talk about helping. They showed up and made a difference.”
