More than 1,000 people signed up to help with Volunteer West Virginia, according to an email from Heather Foster, executive director of Volunteer West Virginia.
In an email sent to volunteers, Foster asked volunteers to be patient and help locally for the time being.
“At this point, many areas remain inaccessible for everyone but trained emergency personnel and local residents,” Foster said in the email to volunteers. “As roadways are opened and the situation stabilizes, Volunteer West Virginia will work in coordination with the State Emergency Operations Center, West Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster and Local Emergency Managers to identify the areas where volunteer assistance is needed.”
Families in need of flood cleanup assistance can call 1-800-451-1954 for free assistance from volunteer agencies.
The American Red Cross has hundreds of disaster workers on the ground in areas affected by flooding across the state.
“The Red Cross is helping people right now with emergency needs such as shelter and meals while caseworkers are helping those affected with recovery planning,” said Erica Mani, Chief executive officer of the West Virginia Region, in a media release. “We will continue to support them in the days, weeks and months to come as they begin to plan their next steps.”
Anyone wishing to make a donation to the Red Cross can visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
Individuals and business owners who sustained losses or damages can begin applying for assistance through FEMA by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
The YMCA of Kanawha Valley is offering its facilities to flood victims. Anyone in need of a shower can go to the YMCA of Kanawha Valley or Coonskin Park during business hours. Soap and towels will be provided free of charge.
Kin Ship Goods has already sold over 630 t-shirts to help with flood relief. All proceeds from the T-shirts will be donated to the West Virginia Chapter of the American Red Cross. Shirts are $24 and can be ordered online through www.kinshipgoods.com or purchased in-store at 613 Tennessee Avenue.
In Morgantown, students and residents set up donation sites to aid those affected by the floods.
Julie Merow, West Virginia University student body president, said the amount of supplies the community has donated has been “overwhelming.”
“We see it as our duty to help out our fellow West Virginians and it’s been incredible to see our community and communities across the state come together to do what we can for the flood victims,” Merow said. “This just reinforces how great the people of this state are and that we support each other no matter the circumstances.”
On Sunday, the students filled a trailer with supplies and another truck with water and delivered the items to Clay County High School. Volunteers were still gathering and organizing supplies Sunday evening and will continue to do so today.
Students from Marshall University were also collecting items to donate to flood victims.
Representatives from the Women’s Studies Program set up collection barrels at the Marshall Recreation Center, Women’s Center and Memorial Student Center. The donated supplies will be distributed through United Way chapters in affected areas.
The Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association set up a temporary animal shelter in Clendenin. KCHA also went door to door delivering pet food to flood victims.
According to a Facebook post from the KCHA, the organization desperately needs dog food donations. Pet food supplies can be dropped off at the KCHA facility in Charleston.
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©2016 The Charleston Gazette (Charleston, W.Va.)
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