Help A Disaster-Stricken Neighbor This Holiday Season 

Release Date: December 17, 2003
Release Number: 1500-53

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides

CHARLESTON, W. Va. -- As the holiday season approaches, our thoughts turn naturally to family gatherings. But most West Virginia residents affected by the November storms are left scrambling to put their lives back together. The heavy rains, flooding and landslides caused countless residents to lose their homes. Many lost a lifetime of possessions as the storm roared across wide areas.

State and federal disaster relief officials are encouraging individuals and businesses to help flood victims during this holiday season. The best way to lend a helping hand is with a cash contribution that can be distributed through volunteer agencies assisting in the recovery effort, like the American Red Cross and Catholic Community Services, which is coordinating the work of many of the local faith based disaster assistance partners.

Volunteer agency distribution centers are often filled to the brim with donated items that can take weeks to sort and get to those in need. And sadly, in many cases, donated items fail to match the needs of disaster victims. For many, the recovery will take months and even years. Even though disaster relief programs are a vital component of long-term recovery, there are almost always unmet needs that are not anticipated. Financial contributions are the timeliest and most effective way to provide assistance.

Residents of declared counties who have unmet needs should call the following regional centers to be referred for assistance:

Northern Region Counties

Monongalia, Marion, Wetzel, Taylor, Harrison, Lewis, Gilmer, Calhoun, Braxton.

  Call Criss-Cross Info & Referral Service at 304-623-6681
Central Region Counties Clay, Kanawha, Putnam, Boone, Lincoln, Cabell, Wayne
  Call Catholic Community Services, 1-877-330-9105
Eastern Region Counties Webster
  Call Catholic Community Services, 304-847-7416
  Counties Nicholas
  Call Richwood Food & Clothing Pantry, 304-846-4343
  Counties Greenbrier, Summers
  Call Loaves & Fishes Pantry, 304-466-2110
  Counties Monroe, Mercer
  Call Catholic Community Services, 304-425-4306
Southern Region Counties Fayette, Raleigh, Logan, Wyoming & McDowell
  Call Catholic Community Services, 304-792-2170

Filling unmet needs is the role of volunteer agencies and local groups that form in the aftermath of a disaster. Such groups are funded entirely from private donations, demonstrating the importance of individual contributions. When contacting an agency or group be sure to specify that your donation is for the West Virginia disaster. They will continue providing services long after most consider the disaster over. Agencies receiving contributions include:

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 17-Dec-2003 16:05:30