SENATOR BRANDON J. STORM: WE ARE ONE KENTUCKY FAMILY THIS CHRISTMAS

In light of the tragic aftermath of the severe weather that swept across the Commonwealth last weekend, in addition to delivering season’s greetings and wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas, my message takes a slightly different tone. I pray that your Christmas season is filled with love and blessings, and you will remember the reason for the season. However, as we all know, many of our fellow Kentuckians are facing unimaginable pain, grief, and loss.

For many, the seasonal festivities that make Christmas so joyful will not be their experience this year. The days, weeks, and months ahead will prove difficult in ways most can never imagine.  That is why we must unite as one Kentucky and work to bring hope, love, and peace to those who lost so much in a matter of hours. For a great example of our state’s united response, look to the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund, which has received millions in contributions to help Kentuckians impacted by severe weather. All donations to the fund are tax-deductible.

Coming off the heels of the pandemic, many who have been personally impacted are understandably facing challenging times. We can do so much as a community to ease the pain of the losses suffered. Lend a helping hand at your local shelter or supply distribution center.  Consider donating to Toys for Tots to provide Christmas to a child who has been forever affected by this tragedy. Donate blood if you are able and lift your neighbors in prayer.

The devastation experienced in our communities impacted by this natural disaster will weigh heavily on all of us this Christmas season. Let us be grateful for the blessings in our lives, including those who are there for us in moments of need —be it family, friends, neighbors, or strangers offering a helping hand. We cannot undo the tragedies across the Commonwealth; we can choose to be a positive force for recovery as a united Kentucky.

In closing, I leave you with this:

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.“ Isaiah 9:6

Senator Brandon Storm (R-London) represents the 21^st District, which includes Bath, Estill, Jackson, Laurel, Menifee, and Powell Counties. Senator Storm is the vice-chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Transportation and serves as chair of the Senate Enrollment Committee. He also serves as a member of the Senate Standing Committees on Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor; State and Local Government; Banking and Insurance; and is a liaison member of the Budget Review Subcommittee on Human Resources. Additionally, Senator Storm is a member of the Legislative Oversight and Investigations Statutory Committee; and the Child Welfare Oversight and Advisory Statutory Committee. For more information on Senator Storm, please visit legislature.ky.gov.