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BUCKHANNON - A free community dinner is being planned as a "thank you" to all the "volunteers, first responders, organizations and community members who came together" during the deadly flooding in Upshur and Lewis counties in July 21.
WVU Medicine St. Joseph's Hospital will host the "Stronger Together Free Community Dinner" from 4-6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21 -- a month to the day after the flooding began -- at the Daily Grind, located at 20 Raella Lane in Buckhannon.
"In the days following the flood, we saw an incredible example of what makes this community so special," said Matt Scott, Director of Marketing and Communications at WVU Medicine St. Joseph's Hospital. "People stepped forward without hesitation -- first responders, volunteers, local organizations, businesses and neighbors helping neighbors.
"We wanted to create an opportunity to bring everyone together, say thank you and share a meal with the people who gave so much during a very difficult time. The name 'Stronger Together' really represents what we witnessed throughout our community."
The event will feature a complimentary spaghetti dinner and is open to those who volunteered during the flood response and recovery, as well as individuals and families who were personally affected by the flooding, officials said.
The event "is intended to provide an opportunity for the community to gather, share a meal and recognize the tremendous outpouring of support shown throughout the recovery effort," an official press release stated.
"Recovery doesn't end when the water recedes," Scott noted. "There are still individuals and families working to get back on their feet. We hope this dinner can be a small way to recognize how far our community has come while reminding those who were affected that their neighbors are still here to support them."
A designated area will be available during the dinner for anyone wishing to make monetary or physical donations to support the ongoing flood relief efforts.
"There is no cost to attend, and the community is invited to join St. Joseph's Hospital for an evening centered on gratitude, fellowship and the spirit of neighbors helping neighbors," the release states.
The July 21 flooding resulted in two deaths, and in Upshur and Lewis counties alone, 33 homes were destroyed, with 91 other homes experiencing major damage, 235 with minor damage, and 182 otherwise impacted.
Last week President Donald Trump and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved $4.5 million in expedited Individual Assistance for Lewis and Upshur counties, while federal disaster officials review storm damage in five other West Virginia counties.
The announcement authorizes FEMA to begin implementing federal assistance programs and to coordinate with state and local officials on flood recovery efforts.