The heavy rains that bombarded this area Sunday caused extensive damage to the headquarters of one of Logan County’s most helpful organizations to those in need.
Water rose from underground to flood some of the lower level of the Concerned Citizens headquarters. It’s located in one of Russellville’s most historic public buildings, the former KP Hall.
Not only was the floor damaged, but also ruined a large number of perishable items which were to be given to those in need, especially food. “We had to throw a lot of food away,” says Executive Director Dorris Vick.
Money is needed to build a much stronger floor on the first floor. “We’ve got to pour a lot of concrete,” she says.
Concerned Citizens has property insurance but not flood insurance, Vick notes.
After receiving a grant from then-Kentucky Governor Paul Patton in the amount of $228,000, in the late 20th century, the building which was damaged this week was renovated. The first tutoring program started in 1996 with only five students; it has grown to about 50-75 students per week.
Concerned Citizens now have a computer lab for the public, offers mentoring groups, a free community food bank, summer cooling program, teen rap sessions, teen pregnancy forums, alcohol and drug addiction seminars, youth dances, beauty pageants, fashion shows and much more.
Many of those functions happen on the second floor, but now it is having to be used to store food and other items for distribution.
Anyone who is willing and able to donate to this cause can bring it by the Concerned Citizens building at 428 East Fifth Street in Russellville or mail it to Concerned Citizens, Box 1351, Russellville, Ky. 42276.