The entire state of West Virginia recently received rainfall unlike any in the state’s recorded history, logging some 10 inches of rain in less than six hours. Officials reported 23 flood-related deaths, hundreds of homes destroyed, collapsed bridges, and entire stretches of roadway being picked up by the force of the water and moved miles down river. Dismas’ Charleston Director Jim Sands and his staff and residents immediately set in motion a response that included gathering needed supplies for those hardest hit. Water, bleach, trash bags, non-perishable food items, personal hygiene items, children’s toys, and even dog food were amassed by the facility. According to Sands, ten of 55 counties, including Kanawha County in which Dismas Charities Charleston is located, were declared Federal Disaster Areas. The West Virginia National Guard and State Police enforced dusk-to-dawn curfews in the flooded communities. The house shown above once sat several yards from the roadway and was lifted off its foundation and moved to the middle of the roadway. Charleston Counselor Renae Bailey (at left in left photo) and Social Services Coordinator Megan Shirk are shown in the facility’s Conference Room with many of the items donated.
