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A Message to Our Volunteers
We certainly have learned many lessons over the last two months. Before the rain stopped in June, we teamed up with
West Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
to offer support in the State Emergency Operations Center. At the time, we couldn't have anticipated where the next few months would lead.
With in one week thousands had signed up to volunteer. In just a few short weeks
that number rose to more than 5,000
individuals.
To manage this influx of interested volunteers, we worked with partners to establish temporary Volunteer Centers in Clay, Kanawha, Greenbrier and Nicholas Counties. More than
3,300 individual volunteers
registered through those centers, logging hours valued at more than $1,000,000. From the folks in Kanawha County running volunteers outdoors, with only pencil and paper, to the unique solutions in Greenbrier County for logging hours via text message, we've learned many lessons together. These numbers are only
the tip of the iceberg.
West Virginia did a pretty amazing job pulling this off! There is still much work to be done, but we know now that we can count on each other when it really matters. We know the value of grassroots organizing and problem solving. Recovery depends on all of us getting involved and valuing the unique contribution of every agency, nonprofit, church, individual, business and government organization. Every contribution matters, big and small. Thank you for yours.
If you're looking for a way to stay connected, please reach out to your local long-term recovery committee. More information on those committees is available at wvflood.com. In next week's newsletter, we'll announce opportunities to get involved during the Governor's Day to Serve, (September 11-October 10, 2016). We hope continuing to share opportunities motivates you to stay connected and engaged. Stay #WVStrong.
Heather Foster
Executive Director, Volunteer West Virginia
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Long Term Flood Recovery
Ongoing, Statewide
West Virginia has now transitioned into long term flood recovery. Here are some simple steps to get matched up with a team to help.
Community Members, Student Groups, Individuals, Unskilled Volunteers and Non-Disaster Groups:
- Contact the local Long Term Recovery Committee in the area you'd like to help. Learn more here.
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Skilled Labor Needed For WV Flood Long Term Recovery
Ongoing, Statewide
West Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) is seeking voluntary skilled labor for WV Flood long term recovery.
Skilled volunteers interested in registering with WV VOAD are encouraged to contact Ben Cisco at 304-235-2692 Ext 8.
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Volunteer Vacation: Project HOPE
Ongoing, Kanawha and Clay County
Project Hope has everything in place for your team to have a productive day or week helping flood affected families get back into their homes.
The program teams up with several local churches and non-profit organizations to restore homes to provide affordable housing to flood victims, low-income families, police officers, firefighters, and school teachers.
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RedRover Responders Volunteer Training Workshop
September 10th, Parkersburg
Where would you take your pets if a disaster forced your evacuation? Who can help a community take care of animals when they're rescued from puppy mills or hoarding cases? If you care about animals in these situations and want to make a difference, you are invited to join the RedRover Responders volunteer team. Learn more.
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WV Air National Guard Family Day
September 10th, Charleston
This is a volunteer gig that everyone can dig: making popcorn, snow cones, and temporary tattoos. Volunteers needed for the
130th Airlift Wing of the West Virginia National Guard Family Day in Charleston
,
September 10th 10am-2pm.
If you're interested in helping out, please contact Beth Melton,
304-561-6544.
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A Healthy Taste Festival: Food Truck Expo & Culinary Competition
September 24th, Charleston
Come help this delicious event be successful! Volunteers needed for the First Annual SFEC Healthy Taste Festival in Charleston.
The festival will showcase local culinary comepitors and area mobile food vendors. All dishes will feature locally grown produce from partners at the Monroe County Farmer's Market and KISRA's Paradise Farms. Learn more here.
5-10 volunteers are needed to assist with the culinary competition, people visiting the center, and providing support throughout the registration process.
If you're interested in helping, please contact Krystal Smith,
304-414-4414.
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Volunteers Sought For Free Elkview Health Clinic
October 22nd & 23rd, Elkview
The clinic is open to everyone, not only
WV Flood survivors.
The event could be the largest free medical clinic in West Virginia history, the number of people the clinic can serve will depend on how many volunteers help.
Organizers are looking for volunteers from the medical, dental and vision fields, as well as volunteers who can prepare or bring meals for clinic workers and do other tasks.
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Hey West Virginia! Send us your volunteer opportunities.
We will now be sending out weekly updates that include flood recovery and other community volunteer opportunities. If your organization would like to be included, please contact
Dana. Be sure to include:
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Project name
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Dates & times
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Short description
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Contact name:
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Contact #/email
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#WVFlood Other Ways to Help
For more ways to help, visit our website.
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Send Us Your Volunteer Shots
We would love to hear from you and see how it's going. Share your experience and photos using the hashtag #WVFlood, Tweet us, Facebook us, or contact Dana.
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