On December 10, 2021 an EF4 tornado hit parts of West Kentucky causing mass destruction to homes, farms, and businesses.  Caldwell and Hopkins Counties were hit hard displacing many families and closing businesses. Many people lost everything they owned and didn’t have the financial resources, and in some cases, sufficient insurance to pick up the pieces and move on.   

The Caldwell County Extension Office turned into a hub for collecting tornado relief items. Donations of food, clothing, basic hygiene supplies and numerous other items came in from counties all over Kentucky and seven surrounding states. The County Extension Agents managed and dispersed the resources to people and places that were in need.  

The community of Dawson Springs in Hopkins County was hit the hardest of the two counties.  Many that were affected had limited resources to begin with and this hit the community hard.  West Kentucky 4-H Camp is located in Dawson Springs but amazingly it was not touched.

4-H Camp also served as hub and distribution point for resources that were being donated. Tornado victims were able to get basic supplies and essentials at 4-H camp when they needed it.  One young mother came to camp just after returning home from visiting a relative to find she had lost everything, including her home.  Her and her two small children were staying with a friend in a two bedroom apartment that already had five people living there.  She was grateful to be able get the resources she needed for her and her children.   

4-H Camp also housed many of the state police and recovery groups that came to help in the clean-up. Camp provided them a clean, warm and hospitable place for them to stay during this tragic time.

The Caldwell County 4-H Agent dedicated over 250 hours serving the people of both communities providing them with essential needs throughout December,  January and February.  It was a trying time, but it is also heartwarming to see the love spread from strangers when times get tough.