• Janeen Johnally

West Virginia Communities Unite in Wake of Disaster

Newton, WV (July1, 2016) -- As the flood waters have receded more damage and destruction continues to be unearthed, creating an even larger need for more help, supplies, and volunteers to help put back together the lives and communities devastated by the floods of southern West Virginia.

With more damage also comes more work to be done, and more people on hand to help recover and rebuild. As local stores and shopping centers have also experienced loss, the ability to buy and obtain much needed supplies is greatly hindered, making local families depend on outside resources for support.

While items such as brooms, masks, cleaning supplies and manpower are needed, so is sustenance for those tirelessly working to put their and their neighbors lives back together. The Salvation Army has been actively working throughout the affected areas to provide meals, drinks, and snacks to the victims, emergency personnel, and volunteers in support of the recovery efforts.

To help make the largest impact, The Salvation Army has partnered with a local community center in Newton, WV to distribute much needed food to local families who have lost everything. The Newton Community Center, ran by a local couple, has been able to open its doors to welcome in the hungry and hurting, to serve as a safe haven, with food furnished by The Salvation Army Disaster Services.  Joe Ross from the Newton Community Center said “People that are coming here more concerned about their neighbor, is he getting what he needs, is she getting what she needs and that’s so heartwarming to see.”

The Salvation Army will continue to serve the affected areas throughout the recovery efforts, working to meet the present needs of each individual community.  Joe closed by graciously saying  “ The Salvation Army has been great, your folks have been absolutely fantastic. They are great people. They have provided so many meals. You just would not believe it!”

How people can help: An appeal is being made for financial assistance to fund the flood relief work in West Virginia.  Those who wish to support The Salvation Army’s disaster response may do so by sending a check earmarked “June 2016 West Virginia Floods”  to their local Salvation Army office, online at http://tinyurl.com/zu6rn47, or by making a credit card donation at 1-800-SAL-ARMY.  Be sure to designate the donation for the “June 2016 West Virginia Floods.”