Roger Perry, president of the Lions Club of Logan, received an interesting letter and check from members of a Lions Club in Monongalia County asking that the donation be sent to help victims of the May 9 flash flooding that washed through much of southern Mingo County, particularly in the Gilbert, Gilbert Creek, Varney, Pie, Musick, Delbarton, Belo and Matewan areas.
"It's a check for $100 and they have asked us to send it to those in charge of flood relief efforts, so we will make it out to the Salvation Army," Perry said Tuesday evening.
"We really believe in helping people in need," wrote Wilma Williams past president of the Western Monongalia Lions Club. "This small check might help buy some cleaning supplies and hope you might be able to channel it to those in charge."
Verizon has announced more aid to flood victims as well as another communicative assist — the instillation of phones that can be used free of charge. Flood victims in southern West Virginia will get some much-needed help with a $5,000 Verizon Foundation grant to the American Red Cross and 16 free portable payphones that Verizon installed in the area.
Eight free payphones are located at the Bill Snodgrass Community Center at Varney in Mingo County and another eight phones at the Hanover Volunteer Fire Department in Wyoming County.
The phones will be available 24 hours a day for anyone needing to make a local or long-distance call, including National Guard members and residents whose homes were damaged or destroyed. All calls are free of charge.
Verizon technicians are continuing work to restore service to homes and businesses damaged by flooding earlier this month. In addition, Verizon volunteers are helping flood victims by collecting and donating cleaning supplies and other items.
“We sympathize with those who have lost so much during this year’s record floods. Our donation to the American Red Cross supports the many residents who have been impacted by the floods,” said B. Keith Fulton, president of Verizon West Virginia. “By installing our free payphone banks, we’re helping our customers stay in touch with loved ones and handle business matters as they recover from this disaster.”
Members of the Kiwanis Club of Logan will be doing their part to assist flood victims in Mingo County this week.
Kiwanis President Diana Barnett said flood relief donations will be accepted at Gatti's Restaurant at the mall and will be delivered to flood victims in our neighboring county.
Kristi Adkins pointed out that water and bleach are covered fairly well, but many people need things for their children including diapers and other baby supplies.
"We will have a box out front and make it our drop-off center for donations," said Barnett.
Roger Ramey said the Kiwanis had made some deliveries already including a truckload of bleach and water courtesy of CSX railroad.
"One thing we need to keep in mind is that these victims will be needing help for weeks and weeks to come," Ramey said.
"Often, help dries up after the first week or two. So don't forget that and keep on helping your neighbor."
Polaris industries announced yesterday that it will be working with West Virginia dealers Keefer’s and Route 119 Powersports to provide two Ranger Side-by-Side vehicles to emergency medical and other rescue services so they can carry water and help families affected by the flooding. Pennsylvania dealership, Hernley’s, also has joined the cause and sent a group of people with relief packages to help with the cleanup.
“What has happened in southern West Virginia is a great tragedy,” Daniel Storm, district sales manager for Polaris, said. “The dealerships are happy to help support an area who has been highly supportive of the sport of ATV riding. We hope the efforts can help this community get back on their feet quicker.”
Volunteers also worked in Musick Bottom from Lexington, Ky., and people came from as far away a New Jersey, South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee to lend a hand. Crews were in Mingo County this morning from Nitro and Pinch in West Virginia.
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