Mid-Michigan business owner helps Kentucky residents affected by tornadoes

By James Felton, James Paxson

Michigan (WNEM) – Cleanup is underway in Kentucky after devastating tornadoes ravaged the Midwest.

At least four tornadoes hit Kentucky on Friday night, one of which remained on the ground for more than 200 miles. More than 60 people have been killed in that state alone.

Homes, businesses, and more have been swept away in massive destruction. Thousands of people survived the winter without heating or running water.

Sandy Catalano is like many Michiganders who saw the footage of lives torn apart when tornadoes swept through the mid-south on Friday night.

“It was horrible. You think of those poor families, and especially during the holidays, how devastating it would be to lose everything you have, ”Catalano said.

She is co-owner of Five: 1 athletics in Clio. Catalano said there was a 53-foot semi-trailer in his business.

“Our hope is that we can fill it with articles that will be of use to these people as they try to get back on their feet and clean up the mess,” Catalono said.

Catalano hopes to deliver essential items to tornado survivors on Wednesday.

“We received a few donations this morning, but we have a lot of work to do,” said Catalono.

Five: 1 Athletics is located at the back of Kmart Plaza on Vienna Road, near I-75. Catalano would like residents to drop off non-perishable canned goods and personal hygiene items, but that’s not all.

“Contractor bags, tarps, work gloves, headlamps, this is a list of items we received from FEMA and the raffle for workplace disaster relief,” said declared Catalono.

Catalano said she was willing to wait longer to fill that truck up. But she hopes to supply the tornado survivors as soon as possible.

“Put yourself in their shoes and think about what your life would be like if your whole house was destroyed and everything in it. So think about what time of year we’re in and what it’s really about and work as a community to come together and help these people in Kentucky and Tennessee, ”Catalono said.

Anyone interested in making a donation can by calling 810-845-3420.

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