Community comes together to help victims of devastating storm in Estill Co.

People are stepping up to help those who lost their homes and belongings in a violent storm that hit Estill County on Wednesday morning.

The National Weather Service says straight line winds registering between 90 and 100 miles per hour were responsible for the significant damage. Estill Co. Emergency Management officials said the storm destroyed at least 20 houses and damaged 75 others.

Doors opened at the Christian Worship Center around 10 Thursday morning. The church is serving as a donation drop-off center where people can bring items to help storm victims.

Several people, carrying in bags of items such as cleaning supplies and toiletries, stopped by to donate to individuals in need.

Linda Tipton and her daughter are spending the afternoon volunteering at the shelter. Tipton says she wants people to know that in this time of need, they are not alone.

"They have a place that they can come to that's under shelter, that's warm, where they can get something to eat," Tipton said.

Debbie Henry is a volunteer with 'Helping Hands.' She says along with collecting donations, Helping Hands is also putting together a crew to help people clean up the damage left behind.

"I think the whole community has really came together on stuff like this," Henry said.

The Red Cross has set up a shelter for those needing a place to stay at Estill Springs Elementary in Irvine.

Tashia Jones, along with her 3-year-old daughter stayed in the shelter on Wednesday night. She says a tree fell on top of their home, causing the wall to collapse.

"They said there probably won't be electricity for two days at the most, but they don't now. I doubt they will get it done in two days because all the electric wires were gone and everything," Jones said.

Helping Hands is also giving free meals to first responders here at the Center. The Red Cross says they had four people stay in the shelter Wednesday night, but expect to have more as the week continues.