Resources announced for local residents affected by flooding
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BUCKHANNON -- Resources for those in Upshur and Lewis counties who were impacted by Tuesday night’s severe storm and flooding are being announced across the region.
At about 11 a.m. Wednesday morning, the Upshur County 911 Center posted to social media that all 911 lines in the county are currently down. Officials urge anyone who needs assistance to call one of the following numbers: 304-997-9373, 681-837-2445, 304-516-2502 and 304-439-0263.
The Buckhannon Church of the Nazarene has opened the church building to those who need shelter after the devastating storm Tuesday night.
Philippi Middle School is being utilized as an emergency shelter, officials said.
Lewis County High School has been established as a shelter for anyone affected by the flooding.
Upshur County Parish House in Buckhannon officials posted that “We’re open and have meals and bottled water available. If you need a place to come in,or just sit for a while, our doors are open. Please stop by – we’re here for you. Rock Cave will be closed today.”
Parish House officials are also collecting donations of disinfectant cleaner, laundry soap, dish soap, heavy duty gloves (kitchen gloves), sponges or scrub brushes, heavy duty trash bags, cleaning wipes, and five-gallon buckets. All donations can be dropped off at the Parish House between the hours of 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 68 College Avenue in Buckhannon.
A Flood Relief Donation Center has been established in Buckhannon at the Rockefeller Auxiliary Gym at West Virginia Wesleyan College.
Items such as bottled water, non-perishable food, cleaning supplies, hygiene products, diapers, baby formula, pet food, and other essential items are being accepted.
At about 11 a.m. Wednesday morning, the City of Elkins posted that, “For those who can help, two urgent needs are non-perishable, high-energy snacks and bottled water. The First Baptist Church will accept these donations today until 7 p.m. and tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. There is a canopy and truck to take supplies to Upshur and Lewis counties.
“For now, no other supplies or foods, please. We’ll update you if that changes. So far the places with the most urgent needs have no electricity.”
On Wednesday morning, 3rd Street Tattoo in Elkins posted, "We have also seen a lot of people ask how they can help. With other donation collection efforts currently underway, we are going to provide a warm meal to our neighbors and hard-working rescue teams.
"We are asking our community to help us make it happen. We are asking for monetary donations to help with food and drink costs. We will take care of the rest along with our friends at Clementines Cantina.
"We'd love to reach our goal of feeding 300 people! Meal delivery location and time will be announced later. Some of our staff, and some of the restaurants staff, will be in Buckhannon tomorrow."
Education West Virginia – Randolph has begun a flood relief drive, collecting cleaning supplies, food and water to take to Buckhannon. The drop-off site will be Third Ward Elementary School in Elkins today through Sunday, from noon to 6 p.m. each day. No monetary donations can be accepted, officials said.
On Wednesday, Gingrollsandpancit in Randolph County and Moon Flower in Buckhannon announced that they would be partnering together to help those affected by the flooding. The two businesses will be offering free meals inside of Moon Flower’s location on Main Street in Buckhannon Friday starting at 11 a.m. until supplies runs out. Meals will include pancit, lumpia and bottled water.
“This is the least we can do to support the community during this difficult time,” the announcement on social media states. “Please share this post so we can reach as many flood victims as possible. We are keeping everyone affected in our thoughts and hope this small act of kindness brings a little comfort.”
Also on Wednesday, Stone Tower Brews in Buckhannon put out multiple posts informing residents that their doors were open for residents to come in, charge their phones, use the bathroom and get free coffee and food.
“We have ham and turkey sandwiches, chips, apples and bottled water,” Stone Tower Brews said in its post. “If you are in town and can safely get to Main St, let us feed you! Our doors are open and Justin's got a pot of coffee brewing. If you're stuck in town please feel free to come charge your phone, use the bathrooms, take up space.”
Suncrest United Methodist Church in Morgantown is beginning a Buckets of Hope Challenge to help those in need and Upshur and Lewis counties.
“On Thursday we begin our 50 Buckets, 15 Days, one Community challenge!” a church social media post states. “Our goal is simple: collect 50 five-gallon buckets with lids to help assemble Flood Cleanup Buckets for families recovering from the devastating flooding in Buckhannon and Weston. A bucket may seem like a small thing, but it’s the foundation of every cleanup kit. Filled with cleaning supplies, it becomes a powerful reminder that someone cares and that hope is on the way. (No screw-top lids, please. New or gently used buckets are welcome, as long as they are clean and free of any residue.) Drop off your bucket at Suncrest United Methodist Church during office hours or on Sunday morning.}
Operation BBQ Relief, based in Kansas City, Missouri, is asking for donations to help with flood relief in this area.
“Operation BBQ Relief is deploying to West Virginia in response to the devastating floods,” a social media post on OBR.org states. “We will be on the ground serving hot meals and hope to families and first responders - and you can help.
“Here's how: Know of urgent feeding needs? Please contact us at operations@obr.org so we can respond where we're needed most.
“We need volunteers! If you want to help, register through the OBR Volunteers smartphone app or visit: https://operationbbqrelief.org/volunteer/new-volunteers/.
“Can't volunteer? You can still make an impact. Your donation helps fuel our mission to feed communities after disasters and enrich heroes’ lives every day.”
At about noon Wednesday, the City of Buckhannon posted the following: “We are receiving a significant amount of inquiries from folks far and wide asking what supplies are needed, and where they can be dropped off. We are coordinating with the Upshur County Office of Emergency Management, Army National Guard, and state officials to establish an official location that is accessible to everyone. Right now, that's our problem. Our city is spliced up by the flood waters in such a way that there's not a central place for everyone to access at this time. However, as the flood waters continue to recede, we will be able to communicate the location and what you can bring.”