BSCTC, WSIP, COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO HOST RADIOTHON FOR JOHNSON COUNTY FLOOD VICTIMS

Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC) and WSIP (98.9 FM) will broadcast an Operation Helping Hands Radiothon on Saturday, July 18 from noon to 6 p.m.

The radiothon, powered by Appalachian Wireless, is also sponsored by the Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Paintsville/Johnson County Chamber of Commerce and Floyd County Chamber of Commerce.

Through the devastation of the flooding in Johnson County, we have witnessed what is great about eastern Kentucky its people, said BSCTC President Dr. Devin Stephenson. The unity of family is unbreakable, communities have rallied to help one another and the resilience of the people of the region have shined during these dark times. That light will lead to recovery.

All proceeds from the radiothon will go to the Johnson County Long-Term Recovery Group. The group associates with community volunteers and leaders, bringing together the means to re-establish normalcy in the lives of those affected by disasters.

The effects of this flood will linger for weeks, months and even years for some, said Bobby McCool, chief institutional officer and chair of the Johnson County Long-Term Recovery Group. It is critical that we have the resources in place to help the people affected by this disaster rebuild and pick up the pieces.

Spike Berkhimer, general manager of WSIP, said the station is proud to support such a worthwhile endeavor.

Our people are hurting, and we need to all do our parts to help pick them up, said Berkhimer. We encourage the people of eastern Kentucky to open their hearts and help us take a significant first step in this long-term recovery.

In addition to the radiothon, collection bins have been placed at Food City locations in Paintsville and Prestonsburg for non-perishable food items, toiletries and cleaning supplies.

For more information on the Johnson County Long-Term Recovery Group, contact Bobby McCool at (606) 788-2883 or email bobby.mccool@kctcs.edu. For more information on the radiothon, contact Joshua Ball, director of college relations, at (606) 889-4703 or email jball0079@kctcs.edu.