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FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 11, 2019): Community Action Kentucky today announced the establishment of a GoFundMe account set up by Harlan County Community Action to support miners and families recently affected by the Blackjewel LLC mine closures.
Approximately 1,100 employees of the company have been left unemployed across the Appalachian region, including hundreds in eastern Kentucky. Miners received final paychecks on June 28, 2019, only to have them pulled from bank accounts on July 1. Many miners and their families have been left with negative bank account balances, unable to pay for basic needs.
Harlan County Community Action set up the GoFundMe account to directly help miners and their families meet immediate needs such as mortgage assistance, rent, utilities and food. All money donated is tax deductible and will go directly to impacted workers.
“Community Action agencies across this state serve as a lifeline to hundreds of thousands of people each and every year,” said Roger McCann, executive director of Community Action Kentucky. “Devastating events such as the Blackjewel mine closures exponentially increase the demand for Community Action services and the need for community partners, state and local officials and the community at large to come together to support our fellow Kentuckians in need.”
“Our hearts hurt for the miners and families that have been so suddenly thrown into a world of economic distress and uncertainty,” said Donna Pace, executive director of Harlan County Community Action. “We greatly appreciate the support of our Community Action community for helping us raise awareness about this time-sensitive crisis. Even more though, we are grateful for those that have donated or will donate, helping to ease the financial burden thrust upon those directly affected by this massive loss of jobs.”
To donate directly through the GoFundMe account, please visit www.gofundme.com/f/DonatetominersHarlanCAA. Donations may also be dropped off in person Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Harlan County Community Action, located at 319 Camden Street Harlan, KY 40831.
Information about Harlan County Community Action, its services and community impact can be found at www.harlancountycaa.com.
Information about Community Action Kentucky, the state association supporting all 23 Community Action Agencies across Kentucky, can be found at www.capky.org.
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About Community Action Kentucky
Community Action Kentucky is a statewide association representing and assisting all 23 Community Action agencies across Kentucky that work to empower individuals and families to attain greater economic stability and long-term success. With a presence in all 120 Kentucky counties, Community Action agencies provide life-changing resources and programs to support a wide array of service areas, including food security, transportation, home energy, early childhood education, senior support, emergency services, housing assistance, workforce development, youth enrichment and more. As a statewide voice for local agencies, Community Action Kentucky works to address policy issues that impact low-income individuals and cultivates broad-reaching partnerships that improve the lives of thousands of Kentuckians, making it possible for them to achieve their goals. For more information about Community Action Kentucky, visit www.capky.org.