Burst pipe threatens to ruin clothes for needy children

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - Bitter cold weather and fluctuating temperatures have caused pipes to burst across Louisville Metro.

Overnight pipes burst in Central High School's stadium. No one was in the stadium at the time, but the devastation is hitting the most vulnerable people of that community.

Thousands of articles of clothing donated to the Clothing Assistance Program were drenched. The program provides clothing to underprivileged Jefferson County Public School students and their families.

On Thursday volunteers sucked up puddle after puddle and stacked wet clothes in dry containers. If the clothes were not dried quickly they could mold and mildew.

Sharon Whitworth has been a volunteer for 25 years and said while seeing the wet clothes was disheartening they would get through. "We're survivors," she said, "We always have been, we always will be."

Highlands Cleaners volunteered its services by loading up trucks with soaking shirts, pants and jackets to be professionally dried, steamed and pressed.

Owner Mike Jones said, "It's easy for us to do we've got the people, the equipment, the machines, we've got the team and the talent, so we're happy to jump in and help out."

The Clothing Assistance Program is currently in need of volunteers and plastic bins.

If you would like to help you are asked to call (502) 485-7062.

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