United Way of Southwest Virginia (UWSWVA) has begun accepting donations and volunteer information for the long-term relief effort following the July 12 flooding in the Dismal River, Hale Creek, Jewell Valley, Patterson, Pilgrim’s Knob and Whitewood areas of Buchanan County.
A $50,000 donation from the AEP Foundation provided necessities during the initial emergency period and helped establish the Buchanan County 2022 Disaster Relief Fund. “We’re grateful to the AEP Foundation and Appalachian Power for stepping up so quickly to stand with us to help these families and this community,” said Travis Staton, UWSWVA president and CEO.
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A United Way of Southwest Virginia staffer helps an AEP employee load flashlights and lanterns bound for Buchanan County Thursday morning. Photo Courtesy United Way of Southwest Virginia
“Getting electric service restored is an essential part of recovery, and that is our job,” said Chris Beam, Appalachian Power president and COO. “Helping in ways beyond that is part of our commitment to our friends and neighbors in these areas where we live and work.”
Individuals who live in the affected area and are in need of assistance should contact Denise McGeorge of the Buchanan County Department of Social Services. DSS will be in place beginning July 15 at the Twin Valley Elementary/Middle School in Oakwood. UWSWVA is coordinating case management efforts through DSS.
Individuals or organizations wishing to donate to the Buchanan County 2022 Disaster Fund may do so by visiting unitedwayswva.org or by contacting Cristie Lester at 276.525.4071. As an incentive for donations, United Way of Southwest Virginia will give t-shirts to the first 150 donors of $30 or more at unitedwayswva.org.
Those wishing to donate household items should contact the Buchanan County Department of Social Services to find out exactly what items are being accepted at the present time. The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) currently lists the following items as needed: cleaning supplies, bleach, disinfectants, rubber gloves, rubber boots, heavy duty trash bags, shovels, paper towels, propane tanks for gas grills, generators, gas cans, funnels, buckets, Gatorade, mops, and hygiene items.
NO donations of clothing items, water, or perishable food are being accepted at present.
Donations of needed items only will be accepted at:
Twin Valley Elementary School
9017 Riverside Drive
Oakwood, VA 24631
Those wishing to volunteer time and expertise in repair and rebuilding efforts should visit unitedwayswva.org and click the Volunteer button.
Those wishing to offer the use of heavy machinery, trucks, etc., should contact Melvena Counts at 276.525.4111.
United Way of Southwest Virginia is working with other community partners to grow the Buchanan County 2022 Disaster Fund, and looks forward to making announcements related to that fund in the coming days.
