Governor, first lady to host Christmas in July to benefit tornado victims

FRANKFORT, Ky. – First lady Britainy Beshear and Gov. Andy Beshear are inviting families impacted by the December tornadoes to join them for Christmas in July events.

A release by the governor’s office states the events will help show the true meaning of the Christmas spirit this summer as western Kentucky rebuilds.

The events will include Santa Claus, food and gifts, including toys and presents from the First Lady’s Christmas Toy Drive that were delivered after Christmas or left over after four local toy giveaways and deliveries directly to Western Kentucky families. The release states these celebrations will allow families to take additional gifts home after they’ve settled into housing.

Families can learn about event locations and times here and RSVP for the events here.

The first lady said Americans responded to the toy drive announcement with great generosity. At least 100,000 toys, thousands of shoes and tens of thousands of gift cards were donated in December, sent by families from at least 36 different U.S. states, as far as Alaska.

“The outpouring of generosity means that on top of the Christmas celebrations we were able to host in December with impacted families, we can now also celebrate Christmas in July for these kids who have lost so much but have shown such resilience and strength,” said the first lady.

Beshear said he wanted to thank those on Team Kentucky and the many Americans who contributed their support during the devastating moment.

“I was truly inspired by Britainy’s toy drive last December and the joy and excitement of these children knowing Santa would still be there for them, after all they had been through,” said Beshear.

The First Lady is no longer accepting toy or gift card donations, but she strongly encouraged those who want to support families impacted by the tornadoes to donate to the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund.

All donations to the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund are tax-deductible, and donors will receive a receipt for tax purposes after donating.