Upshur flood relief Distribution Center closing Sunday
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BUCKHANNON - Officials have announced they will close the Distribution Center at West Virginia Wesleyan College -- where donated disaster relief supplies have been stored since the deadly flooding of July 21 -- on Sunday afternoon.
The coordinated Distribution Center at the Auxiliary Gym at WVWC will operate its final days today, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
"No public admittance will be permitted after Sunday at 3 p.m.," a City of Buckhannon press release stated Friday. "Remaining supplies will be palletized and transitioned to off‑site community locations and to the Lewis County Distribution Center, located in the Market Place Plaza, which has agreed to accept Upshur County's remaining inventory and will gladly welcome Upshur County residents."
Officials are encouraging community organizations -- such as churches, volunteer fire departments, community centers, and nonprofits that can house supplies for future distribution in their communities -- to come to the Distribution Center today and Sunday to pick up items.
"If a facility has storage capacity but no distribution capability, supplies may still be staged there for later mobilization," the release stated.
American Red Cross casework for residents with "major or destroyed damage" will continue today from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the WVWC Library.
The City of Buckhannon and the Upshur County Commission announced Friday that community members may now make secure online donations to support local flood‑recovery efforts through the Rotary Club of Buckhannon Upshur Foundation Flood Relief Fund, one of the two officially recognized financial‑donation partners for the disaster response.
Residents, businesses and supporters from across West Virginia and beyond may contribute directly to the Rotary Foundation's flood‑relief efforts by visiting: https://app.autobooks.co/pay/rotary-club-of-buckhannon-upshur-foundation.
"This online portal allows donors to make contributions by credit card, designate gifts specifically for Upshur County flood recovery, and receive immediate electronic receipts for their records," the release states.
The Rotary Club of Buckhannon Upshur Foundation is working closely with city and county officials to "ensure that all funds are directed toward verified local needs, including household recovery assistance, volunteer support, and community‑level rebuilding initiatives," according to the release.
"Online donations allow people near and far to support our community quickly and securely. Every contribution--large or small--helps families and neighborhoods move forward in the wake of this disaster," Rotary Foundation Treasurer Don Nestor said.
Donors may still present checks -- payable to Rotary Club of Buckhannon Upshur Foundation -- at any Citizens Bank of West Virginia location or by mail to Rotary Club of Buckhannon Upshur Foundation, PO Box 2573, Buckhannon WV 26201.
In Buckhannon, all city parks remain closed except City Park on Park Street. Festival Fridays are cancelled through Aug. 7, officials said.
Buckhannon residents are reminded to place flood‑damaged debris at the curb as soon as possible, officials said.
"Items should be staged at the edge of the right of way in a manner that does not block roadways, sidewalks, or drainage paths," a city release stated. " Guard units will work systematically across impacted neighborhoods. This debris‑collection effort is part of a county‑wide initiative to accelerate cleanup and support families affected by recent flooding."