After more than two weeks of collecting and delivering donations for flood affected communities across southern West Virginia, West Virginia University is moving into the next phase of its ongoing relief efforts.
Beginning Monday, July 11, WVU faculty, staff and students may begin to sign up for one-day volunteer trips to the affected areas to help with cleanup. The first trip is planned for Wednesday, July 13. Those who wish to volunteer can find details and registration information at https://tinyurl.com/wvufloodrelief.
“Relief efforts take on many forms. For those able to participate in one-day volunteer trips, I highly encourage faculty, staff and students to do so,” said Alexis McMillen, assistant director of Student Engagement and Learning at the WVU Center for Service and Learning.
There is also a continued need for monetary donations. To make a monetary contribution, visit http://dollarsfordisaster.wvu.edu. “The recovery process is long and every little bit helps,” added McMillen.
WVU-connected groups and individuals have been busy responding to the flooding that devastated southern West Virginia two weeks ago, killing 23 people while destroying hundreds of homes and businesses.
In a letter to the WVU community last week, President Gordon Gee said, “As president of West Virginia University, I am proud – yet very humbled – by the outpouring of support our University has shown to our state and its citizens. And “thank you” hardly seems adequate. But I do thank you for your tireless and selfless contributions.
“And though the path to recovery is long and uncertain, that is when we, as a West Virginia University community, is at our best. We will remain determined. We will remain steadfast. We will build a bridge where there is none – and we will keep going.”
Among the many responses was a promise by WVU alumnus Ken Kendrick, a native of Princeton, to match up to $500,000 in gifts by fellow alums and donors made to the WVU Foundation.
Additionally, WVU Extension, the University’s lead outreach agency, is seeking donations for its relief efforts as it continue providing assistance.
Other donations may be made to the Kenneth D. and Carolyn T. Gray Emergency Fund, created through the WVU Foundation to assist current students who experience a sudden financial hardship, including natural disasters such as flooding.
Gifts to one or both funds can be made by visiting this link.
WVU alumni chapters around the world continue local fundraising efforts.
In addition, WVU’s Financial Aid office is offering assistance to students from flood affected areas who have concerns about paying tuition, or managing financial aid.
The WVU College of Law and WVU Medicine, among others, are also devoting resources to help communities recover from this disaster.
WVU has consistently been in touch with emergency management personnel from around the state assessing the needs of those affected. WVU will continue to organize its efforts based on needs and emergency management direction.
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CONTACT: Jason Broadwater; Student Life Communications and Marketing Jason.broadwater@mail.wvu.edu; 304.293.8863
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