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Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa natives were struck by multiple tornados last week, and the National Weather Service in La Crosse reported two tornados hit Dec. 16.
Houstonians band together to support those suffering from the natural disasters.
“Thank you Kentucky Senator @Damon_Thayer — We’ve received lots of calls from Houstonians and Texans wanting to help,” Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale, owner of Gallery Furniture, wrote on Twitter. “Houston Mayor @SylvesterTurner and countless others are pitching in. Looking forward to helping the people of Kentucky, that’s what we do as Texans! God bless everyone affected.”
Gov. Andy Beshear confirmed the age range of those who died is from two months to 98 years old, WHAS 11 reported.
"I believe this is the most rapid response from the federal government in the history of the United States of America and we need it and we are really grateful for it," Beshear said to WHAS 11.
McIngvale is accepting donations of much-needed items for residents impacted by the tornadoes that wreaked havoc through Kentucky, Illinois, Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri and Mississippi from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the weekdays at 6006 N. 45 Freeway in Houston.
Kentucky is believed to be the worst hit among the six states.
“I promise you: You’re going to heal,” President Joe Biden said to WLWT 5. “We’re going to recover. We’re going to rebuild and you’re going to be stronger than you were before. We’re going to build back better than it was.”
Beshear confirmed that at least 74 were killed and expects the death toll to rise.
Beshear is also asking for volunteers for state park housing victims.
“It’ll be things like washing dishes and washing clothes but we could really use the help,” he said to WHAS 11.
Biden said the federal government plans to pay 100% of the tornado recovery efforts for the first 30 days, WLWT 5 reported.