Shepherd Community Provides Relief for Contaminated West Virginia Counties
A collection drive for those in West Virginia affected by the recent water contamination has been greeted with immense response by the Shepherd community.
Set up in the Wellness Center, the drive formed shortly after news of the water contamination and the resulting physical needs of the communities affected became evident. Items collected at the drive included water, non-perishable food that could be prepared without water, liquid baby formula and disposable plates and utensils.
When asked about the drive’s success, Holly Frye, assistant vice president for student affairs and a lead coordinator of the collection drive, reported that “the response has been overwhelming…I love that Shepherd University is looked upon as a resource in times like these.”
After being dropped off at the Wellness Center, items donated were organized, boxed up and taken to a location in Martinsburg. From there, the National Guard stepped in, picking up the items and distributing them throughout the affected West Virginia communities. When asked how much was donated at this drive, Frye responded, “I’m not sure how to quantify other than to say it took a total of seven vans and two trucks to load all of the donated items.”
Although some of the contaminated counties have now been given the all-clear with regards to their water supply, there are still ways in which those affected need the local community’s support. “The concern now is how to help those who live paycheck to paycheck and who have not been able to work. Think about all the waitresses, dishwashers and others who work for businesses that were forced to close. Although they were unable to work, their utility, rent and mortgages will still be due at the end of the month,” said Frye.
Rachel Crum, community service and service learning coordinator as well as another leader of the drive, added that “monetary donations are being collected at the United Way” to help those dealing with their unexpected loss of income.
While the clear goal of this collection drive was to aid those in need, it is subsequently evident that the drive had an effect on those observing the community’s generosity. In close connection with the drive, Frye stated, “It never ceases to amaze me when I see the outpouring of help for people we may never meet.” Crum had a similar reaction as Frye, closing her comments by stating, “Jefferson County is a caring community and I am proud to call it my home!”
Leave a Reply