Organizations big and small step up to help Kentuckians following deadly tornadoes

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- If you're struggling with the feeling of wanting to do something to help those effected by the devastation of this storm, there are ways you can help.

Organizations big and small are getting involved-- people as well-- who have connections here in Wisconsin and in Kentucky and they say there's things you can do as well.

"I had a text from a former coach, and all it said was 'are your parents okay?', and I had no idea what he was talking about," said Chris Vogt.

Wisconsin Badgers Basketball center, Chris Vogt grew up in Mayfield, Kentucky.

He said his family and friends are okay, but putting everything back together will take time.

Just seeing pictures and videos of just everywhere I used to go growing up and just seeing it completely torn apart," said Vogt, "it's really hard to see."

He's started a GoFundMe to benefit the American Red Cross.

"I'm just trying to do whatever I can to help people back home," said Vogt.

Officials with the Red Cross said right now, everything will help.

"You know, how can you help? You can give blood, you can surely give money, you can text us, we made it real easy for you and you can also roll up your sleeves and volunteer," said Red Cross Regional CEO Mark Thomas.

Other volunteer organizations are getting involved as well.

Team Rubicon was co-founded by former Badgers football player Jake Wood, and has volunteers on the ground there right now.

"It's really hard to put in to words, there's a lot of devastation and a lot of damage, and there's a lot of work that needs to be done," said Team Rubicon Tennessee Logistics Lead Kirby Willis.

Click the link HERE to find Vogt's GoFundMe and learn how you can help the impacted communities, and click HERE to go to the American Red Cross website.