MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — WVU is trucking supplies to the south eastern and central parts of the state following deadly flooding that decimated entire towns.
“I can’t speak well enough about my colleagues and students and folks. But, the real response from the community with items that have been coming in consistently has been really amazing,” said Alexis McMillen, Assistant Director of the WVU Center for Service and Learning.
The WVU coliseum, a local grocery store and two convenience stores began accepting items Saturday at 10 a.m.
Coordinating with the United Way in Charleston and the Greenbrier Valley, McMillen said the most needed supplies were going to hardest hit areas by Sunday night.
“Three different 14-foot box trailers have already deployed to Clay County. That was the critical need early yesterday. Then, two of them went to Richwood yesterday evening. They got there about 9 p.m.”
A Harrison County trucking company helped cover transportation needs. By Monday morning, a truck with 28 pallets of goods was leaving Morgantown.
“We have several of our student leaders that may already be en route following a trailer to Rainelle that they packed up themselves. They really are pitching in. I think it’s a good way for them to learn how things happen when people are in need,” added McMillen.
A staging location in Lewisburg at the West Virginia State Fairgrounds is the destination for many of the items collected from other parts of the state.
“What’s really the most help is to be able to know what’s needed, where is it needed, when is it needed, how best to get it to them and to deliver what that is,” McMillen said.
A second trailer was scheduled to be set up at Stansbury Hall along Beechurst Avenue Monday to continue to take donations.
“It really wouldn’t be a big deal if people wanted to drop donations down there any time during the business day today and tomorrow and likely through Wednesday,” McMillen advised.
The Center for Service and Learning is continuing to organize efforts to meet the needs of flood victims.
A dollars for disaster service page is set up and updated with lists of need.