West Virginians need your help.

On Thursday, June 23 reports of flash flooding caused alarm in West Virginia. As it would turn out, these flash floods would cause a federal disaster declaration in 8 counties and set records for most deadly and disastrous floods in many communities. 

The people living in the affected areas have lost nearly everything. Houses were swept off their foundations, vehicles were destroyed, and possessions were lost. 23 people have lost their lives during this flooding, 3 of which are still missing and presumed dead.



On Friday morning, Aurora Lights stepped into action to offer relief efforts, much like we did during the 2014 Water Crisis. We partnered up with Friends of Water and folks we know in communities throughout Tyler, Wetzel, Doddridge, and Monongalia counties. By Friday evening our friends in these counties had setup a total of 12 donation drop-off locations. By the end of the day on Saturday we had helped to coordinate additional donation drop-off locations in Wirt and Marion counties, bringing our total to 18 drop-off locations. Donations were pouring into these locations so quickly our volunteers had a hard time keeping up with the pickups!

On Sunday morning crews from Tyler and Monongalia counties transported supplies to the Elkview/Clendenin area. These volunteers dropped off supplies in the communities then headed out on the secondary roads to assess the needs of people in the rural areas. Jeremiah Todd, a volunteer from Tyler, reported that people in the hollers hadn't seen anyone since the first responders did their initial sweep. They didn't know there were shelters setup in town and they were not aware of another flash flood watch in the area. Because their vehicles had been swept away in the flood waters, these folks were stranded. Travis Carrow, a volunteer from Monongalia, reported that people were mostly excited about receiving a cold bottle of water and cleaning supplies. Travis said, "A quote from one of the people we met yesterday after we asked her if she needed anything. She said this as she was helping her neighbors who had lost everything..."I didn't lose anything in my home. It didn't even get wet. But I did lose my husband." I am typing this with tears in my eyes. This has been the most heartbreaking and humbling experience of my life."

On Monday, our volunteers arrived back to their respective home bases and were immediately on the go, picking up donations and acquiring more volunteers for relief efforts. In Tyler, a group of more than 10 volunteers worked together to gather donations from 10 drop-off locations and transport supplies to be loaded onto trailers. Within a few hours of picking up massive stock piles of donations, our crew had to go back to pickup another load. They couldn't keep up with the outpouring of generosity. In Doddridge, volunteers acquired supplies from 5 drop-off locations and loaded supplies onto a tractor trailer supplied by the Greenwood Volunteer Fire Department. 

On Tuesday, volunteers continued to collect supplies in their respective communities. We also set up a donation drop-off at Morgantown Learning Academy. As part of their Mountain SOL day, campers will be using the donations to create care packages on Thursday. Sarah Hoblitzell, Mountain SOL instructor and relief volunteer, will be transporting the donations to families in need. 

Today the Tyler/ Wetzel crew transported supplies to the Clendenin area. They brought ATVs, chainsaws, cleanup supplies, and tents so they can help with cleanup efforts for a few days. Owen Schmitt with Schmitt's Saloon has been collecting donations and is also transporting supplies as well as a grill down to the affected area. Keeper of the Mountains volunteers have started a fundraiser to help fund their efforts. They postponed their music festival this weekend and are instead traveling around to communities to hand out meals. 
 

Tomorrow volunteers from Monongalia and Wirt counties are transporting donations to affected communities. Altogether, our volunteers' efforts in 6 counties have resulted in over $10,000 worth of monetary and supply donations sent directly to those affected by the floods. On Friday, our friends in Fairmont are transporting supplies collected at South Ridge Church with the help from our friends at NASA, who are generously donating the use of their truck and trailer for relief efforts. 

I am completely overwhelmed by the support and generosity of my fellow West Virginians. When I am asked why I love West Virginia I tell them about my experiences during the water crisis and during these flood relief efforts. The willingness of people to band together and help people in times of need makes me proud. West Virginians stick together. Volunteers have taken time off work and are working tirelessly to help those who have lost nearly everything...because that's what we do. The bond between Mountaineers is strong as steel. 

With all of this in mind, please consider the needs of our volunteers. They shouldn't have to break the bank during their efforts to help others. 100% of donations to Aurora Lights will be used to support our volunteers by reimbursing fuel costs and transportation. Monetary donations will also be used to purchase specific supplies needed for cleanup efforts. We won't be using donations for salaries or organization expenses. As always, your donations are tax-deductible. Click on the Donate button to be directed to our PayPal account.

I would like to thank you all for supporting us in our efforts through Aurora Lights and the Mountain SOL School. I would also like to thank all of our volunteers for dedicating their time and funds toward flood relief. There are many organizations, businesses, and individuals throughout West Virginia that are doing their best to provide relief efforts. Our efforts are only a small glimpse into the hard work going into our state during this time of need. Any support is appreciated. We have a long road ahead of us. Cleanup and relief will be ongoing for weeks, even months. 

You can stay updated on flood relief efforts by visiting the Aurora Lights Facebook page. 

Now let's get to it. There are people to help and it just so happens that we love helping people. 

In Solidarity, 
Hannah Spencer
President, Aurora Lights