On May 16, 2025, an EF4 tornado devastated Laurel County, including a direct hit to the southern side of London. More than 800 homes were damaged, 280 destroyed, and 17 lives lost. This disaster left countless families and children facing significant emotional distress, displacement, and uncertainty about their futures.

In a crisis like this, emotional healing is just as important as food and shelter. A 2024 study from the National Institutes of Health reviewed 85 research studies and found that creative activities, such as art, help individuals process emotions during traumatic experiences. The Palmer Home for Children also reports that painting, coloring, and sculpting help the brain heal from stress and PTSD.

In response, Laurel County 4-H members and families took action. Driven by compassion and a desire to support their peers, they created 4-H Art Kits specifically designed for youth affected by the disaster.  These kits provided youth with a safe and creative way to process emotions and find joy during a challenging time.

Each kit was thoughtfully assembled with supplies to complete multiple art projects through six engaging 4-H art lessons. The lessons encouraged youth to explore a range of creative skills, including making a paper mosaic, learning shading techniques, and writing poetry. To support these activities, each kit included crayons, markers, colored pencils, construction paper, plain paper, scissors, glue, a notebook, pencil sharpeners, and both a standard and a 4-H-themed coloring book.

The Laurel County 4-H Council generously supported the project, helping fund and supply the materials for the kits. Twenty-seven Laurel County 4-H families worked together over two nights to carefully prepare each kit, demonstrating leadership, empathy, and service to their community.

Distribution of the kits took place at two key recovery support sites: London-Corbin Airport and United Way, where 250 art kits were distributed to youth impacted by the tornado. Of those, 134 families responded to a follow-up survey using a QR code included in the kits.

Every respondent said they opened and used the art kit. Most youth used the materials five times or more (84%), showing ongoing engagement rather than one-time use. The most frequently used items were the colored pencils, followed by the journal or notebook, and the coloring book.

The kits did more than pass the time. They made a difference in how youth processed what had happened to them:

• 87% said the art kit helped them express their feelings.
• 78% said it made them feel happier or more relaxed.
• 93% felt more creative.
• 72% said it helped them cope with stress and difficult emotions.

The most powerful feedback came in the children’s own words. One youth shared: "Thank you, we lost everything. People helped with basic needs – food, water, clothing, shelter, but the 4-H art kit gave me something to take my mind off of the tornado and what happened for a little bit."

In the face of loss, creativity gave these young people a space for healing. Through the leadership of local 4-H members, a small act of kindness had a lasting impact.

Photo Caption: A Laurel County 4-H member assembles a 4-H art kit, ready to bring creativity and healing to a fellow young person.