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The tornado damage from Kentucky earlier this month was devastating and frankly hard to watch as it scrolled across our televisions and smartphones.

A total of 76 deaths have been confirmed in the state so far, and more than 1,000 structures were damaged. One tornado in the storm system — which impacted Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee and Illinois as well — is believed to have been on the ground for over 200 miles.

A lot of help is needed, especially when you consider that it’s Christmas week.

So, it’s not surprising at all that Troup County has done their part to help out.

Andrew Denton, co-owner of Georgia Wholesale Co. in Hogansville, started organizing a donation after seeing the aftermath the EF-4 tornado caused.

Denton is originally from Kentucky.

A lot of people in Hogansville, including the police department and several businesses, donated to the effort. Donations included gift cards that were originally going to be given to winners in the canceled Hogansville Christmas Parade and food items.

We’re sure others have given as well, whether it’s through an organized community effort or just by sending money through the American Red Cross or another recovery effort.  Troup County in general is always willing to give back to help our neighbors in need, whether it’s Newnan after that tornado, or our state neighbors up north.

That’s what makes this community such a great place to live and work.