A Schuylkill County resident said he was overwhelmed by the upbeat attitude Kentucky residents had after a December tornado.

Jeff Dunkel, a Palo Alto resident and vice president of Dustin’s Adventure Land, a nonprofit, and Dave Resnick, an employee of Hydro, drove to Mayfield Kentucky, on Jan. 10, a month after an EF4 tornado struck Mayfield.

“They were more positive than I can ever imagine,” he said.

Dunkel said he found it hard to comprehend the hope among so much ruin. More than 20 people died in the Mayfield area because of the tornado, according to media reports. The Mayfield Candle factory that was operating was destroyed and several employees killed.

The drive was 14 hours in a donated Penske box truck, arriving Jan. 11. They left later that day and got back to the county Jan. 12. Donated personal hygiene products, clothing, bedding, laundry detergent and pet food were among the items transported to the city. Toys were available for children.

They also cooked food for more than 350 people.

“I heard God bless you from everyone,” Dunkel said.

The Graves County Fairgrounds was and continues to be a distribution hub for those in need.

Going downtown, they witnessed the devastation.

“This is ten times worse than I ever witnessed,” Dunkel said.

Pictures on Dustin’s Adventureland Facebook page tell the story. Damaged buildings. Debris piled high. A reminder of hope amid the destruction. A sign in front of a home reads Spread LOVE. Give HOPE.

Dunkel said a reminder of Schuylkill County was not far away. A nearby town was named Pottsville. He appreciates everyone who contributed to the cause.