This past weekend we held our Annul Truck Driving Championship. While we know the importance of this event to the drivers who have practiced and prepared, our hearts were heavy because of the devastation brought upon our State in the wake of the storms last week.  We heard tales of heartache because some of our own in the trucking industry lost their homes. We also heard tales of heroism from drivers who were able to assist others as the flood waters rose on Thursday and in doing so saved lives. 

During the event, instead of the drawings we have done in the past, we were able to raise money to help with flood relief.  We were also able to donate food to rescue workers, who had been working around the clock in the Clendenin area.

At times like these, during our darkest hours, West Virginia shines. West Virginians take care of our neighbors and we know that many of us are feeling the need to do more.  If there was ever a time that help was needed, it is now.

If you are looking to help those who have been affected by the flood, below are some ways to help your fellow West Virginians:

• Monetary Donations  can be made to the Red Cross at http://www.redcross.org/local/west-virginia or the United Way at http://www.unitedwaycwv.org/. You can also sign up to volunteer with both organizations at those links.
• Union Mission is collecting drinking water, cleaning supplies, bleach and non-perishable food at Kroger stores in Charleston and Huntington.
• Cleaning supplies, drinking water, baby items, personal hygiene items and non-perishable food can be delivered to the Elkview Baptist Church, Elkview Middle School, Heritage Baptist Church in Pinch and across from the Dollar Store in Clendenin.

The following are resources for those in need of direct assistance:

• Contact numbers for all 55 county emergency management offices can be accessed by clicking here.
• Assistance from FEMA can be requested by visiting https://www.disasterassistance.gov/help/contact-us
• WV-2 Congressman Alex Mooney’s office can be reached by calling (202) 225-2711 or clicking here.
• WV-3 Congressman Evan Jenkins’ office can be reached by calling (202) 225-3452 or clicking here.
• A listing of Red Cross shelters can be found at http://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery/find-an-open-shelter
• A temporary animal shelter has been established at the I-79 Clendenin exit.  Pets will be accepted at this location and then transported to the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association.

Thank you for all of your efforts this far.  While this flood has been devastating for so many, the outpouring of support and coming together by West Virginians is truly remarkable.