Disaster Assistance

The West Virginia State University Foundation accepted monetary donations, which were be used to support community flood relief efforts and to assist members of the State family who were affected by the flooding. To learn more, please visit connect.wvstateu.edu/floodrelief or call (304)766-3021.
 

West Virginia State University has close ties to the K-12 community and worked in several areas to assist those schools impacted by the flood.

Science Equipment
WVSU Chemistry Professor Dr. Micheal Fultz led an effort, in collaboration with the Charleston section of the American Chemistry Society (ACS), to replace chemistry and science equipment lost. Equipment such as stir plates, electronic balances, glassware as well as lab furniture and cabinets were collected. Financial contributions made through the WVSU Foundation or Charleston ACS were also welcome. The effort brought in more than $27,000 in equipment for local schools. To learn more, contact Dr. Fultz at mfultz@wvstateu.edu.

Books and School Supplies
WVSU Extension Service partnered with the West Virginia Department of Education and Read Aloud West Virginia to provide relief effort to impacted schools. The organizations collected books and school supplies to distribute to affected areas as the new school year began in the fall. The effort brought in more than $200,000 in supplies and books for area schools.

Orchestra of the Hills
The University partnered with the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra (WVSO) for a performance to benefit high school music departments impacted by the flood. “Orchestra of the Hills” was performed Saturday, July 30 at Haddad Riverfront Park in Charleston. High school music departments deeply affected by the June 23 flooding were Herbert Hoover High School in Kanawha County, Richwood High School in Nicholas County, and Greenbrier East High School in Greenbrier County. The event was a success, bringing in more than $11,000 cash and nearly $4,000 in donated instruments.

 

 

Thanks to your generosity, the University provided a large donation of cleaning supplies and non-perishable food items to help those families and individuals in need, including members of our own campus community. The University collaborated with Mountain Mission, a local non-profit agency, to distribute the flood relief items donated by students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends. 

Hosting American Red Cross Volunteers
The University hosted more than 80 American Red Cross volunteers as they worked throughout the impacted areas. 

North/South Imrpov: A Benefit for Flood Relief
The WVSU Capitol Theatre in downtown Charleston hosted The No Pants Players and Bridgeport's own The Fearless Fools for an improv comedy show benefiting those who had their lives affected by the flooding. 

A number of local, state and national groups are still working to assist individuals and families impacted by the historic flood. Learn how you can join a volunteer effort by visiting the organizations below.

• American Red Cross  www.redcross.org
• Volunteer West Virginia  www.volunteerwv.org
• West Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (WV VOAD) wvvoad.org

November 20, 2016
 
To My Yellow Jacket Family and Friends,

At this time of Thanksgiving, I stop to give thanks for the manifold blessings God has bestowed upon me and my family and would find myself amiss if I did not place pen to paper in a vain attempt to thank you, my Yellow Jacket Family and Friends, for the sincere outpouring of support and good wishes which have been heaped upon me and my family. 

The devastating flood which ravaged Elkview, West Virginia, on June 23 took my family’s possessions and the lives of my dear friends and neighbors Joni Adams and Sandy Boswell. It was those same neighbors who, in their last moments, thought not of themselves but of the safety of my parents by contacting me at work to tell me that Elk River had become very high and dangerous and that I needed to get home immediately. I contacted my friend and co-worker, Mike Woodard, who immediately rushed to the campus to relieve me and in turn I rushed to Elkview to find that by the grace of God there was barely enough time to rescue my parents from inevitable disaster, without a doubt the most terrorizing night of my life. 

Our most sincere thanks goes to President Jenkins and his staff for the many kindnesses they have shown as we struggled to return to a small portion of normalcy in our lives. Heartfelt thanks to Marvin Smith, Director of Physical Facilities, for the many ways in which he has extended his friendship and kindness during this stressful time. Thanks to my supervisor Dayton Wilson, for his understanding and support in allowing me to do the best for my family during this difficult time. Mike Woodard and Ramona Capron for helping me not only rebuild my home but also my life. Thanks to all my friends and colleagues for their support and blessings. 

As each of you enjoy the upcoming holiday season, I hope that all of you know that my best wishes and prayers are with you just as yours have been with me and my family during the recent months. It is my sincere hope that the peace, presence and protection of the Grand Artificer of the universe be granted to this our beloved Yellow Jacket Family.
 
Respectively,
Your friend and co-worker
Stephen Dean and Family