In July 2022, Knott County was hit by a devastating 1000 year flood. 140 homes were declared a total loss and many others were damaged and needed cleanup.  Many residents also lost outside property and many bridges were damaged or destroyed and people were unable to get out to get items they needed to survive.  The county had very few stores that were even open to get food or needed supplies. We also had people living in tents in the area who had many unmet needs. The county was also without power and water services in many parts making cleanup even more difficult.

Three days after the flood, Extension had a plan to help with the cleanup needs.  The Pendleton County Extension Service, who's county had experienced severe flooding in the past, offered to help.  They decided to fill buckets with cleaning supplies and hygiene items that were needed by the flood survivors.  Local businesses and individuals from their county donated the buckets full of items. The Jessamine County Cattlemen’s Association also called our office around the same time wanting to provided meals for our county.  We got to work and advertised on Facebook and on our local radio about the event.  We also had copies of Extension Publications to give out about Cleaning after a Flood to be placed in the buckets. One week after the flood, the Bucket Brigade event was held at the Extension Office.  The Pendleton County ANR Agent and other volunteers from that county along with the staff we had that could work, came to give out the buckets in a drive thru event.

As a result of the event, 156 buckets were distributed to families to help them start the cleaning process. Each bucket was valued at $75, for a total of $11,700. 1,000 lunches at $10 each were given out or delivered that day.  1,356 volunteer hours were reported at a total value of $40,612.20 for the event.  The event helped people who were down have some hope.