Family of ten staying in tent after fleeing from hurricane Florence

A campground is a place most people go to for family fun, but lot 96 has become a place of refuge.

Five adults, five children,  and three dogs, all staying here in a tent at Barren River Lake State Park.

The Thompson family headed west once they were told to leave their home in Rocky Point, North Carolina.

“Well with Hurricane Florence coming with all the rain showers, where we live at, we got completely flooded out during Hurricane Floyd. We wanted to be out of there just in case the same thing happened with Florence.” says Michael Thompson.

The Thompson family decided Kentucky would become their safe place.

They arrived on Thursday and have tried to treat it like a family camping trip, but that has been challenging.

“It’s been hot and a lot of work because we get up, we start making food, by the time you’re done, you clean up, you start making the next food. It’s crowed, but we have been making due the best we can.” adds Micheal.

“On the bright side its fun and we are safe, but on the dark side we have lots of family that stayed.” says Kayden, Michael’s 11-year-old son.

Along with being worried about their other family members, the Thompson family also found out their home in North Carolina is completely underwater.

It’s a harsh reality Micheal Thompson says he is ready to face.

“When we get home, we are going to gather what we have left if there is anything left and we are just going to have to start from scratch. We have already prepared for everything to be gone, we know its going to be gone.” says Michael.

Thompson says they will most likely be here for the next few days due to the roadways being flooded.

Even though future is uncertain for the Thompson Family, daughter Leila says she has learned a valuable lesson…

“Family is more important than having all the things that you own and keeping all of your family together and safe is more important.” says Leila, Michael’s 13-year-old daughter.

The Thompson family only brought what they needed for a few days. Now, they need your help.

Here is how you can help:

Donate money:

https://www.gofundme.com/hurricane-relieflost-everything

Location for any food donations:

Lot #96 at Barren River Lake State Park

1149 State Park Rd, Lucas, Kentucky

Contact Michael Thompson for any other donation questions:

Cell: (910) 218-6070