NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (LEX 18) — Bobby Carpenter, like many around the world, was heartbroken by images and videos of Australia's burning forests and the animals who were hurt.
She and Wilma Clapp, owners of First Vineyard in Jessamine County, planned a craft fair to put together items like pouches and blankets that rescue groups might use in Australia to help the injured animals recover.
But they were told groups in the country were overwhelmed with boxes of donations arriving daily. They recommended Clapp and Carpenter call local rescue groups to see if they were in need of anything.
"They were so excited to see that people wanted to help them," said Carpenter. "They said, 'We'll take anything you can give us. Absolutely anything'."
Since those calls were made, First Vineyard has received dozens of boxes of donations from people around the United States.
Clapp and Carpenter's 'craft fair' took place Saturday, with people coming and going throughout the day. Everything will be distributed and donated to ten Central Kentucky wildlife rehabilitation centers in the upcoming week.
Volunteers were given tasks as they came. Some were set to cut fabric while those with sewing experience put their skills to the test.
Summer Becks is among the sewists.
"A lot of the time in the world today, we feel so powerless to do any good. But you don't have to give money. You can give your time and your heart and anything that you have within your power to do good in the world," said Becks.
The items will be distributed to local rescue groups next week.
