Helping with Buchanan County Flood Relief

Helping with Buchanan County Flood Relief 1
Josh Hale, an Appalachian Power employee (left) and Travis Staton of the United Way of Southwest Virginia strap a load of flashlights, lanterns and batteries into the back of an AEP truck Wednesday afternoon. Photo courtesy United Way of Southwest Virginia

The United Way of Southwest Virginia is working with Buchanan County Emergency Management authorities to provide relief to victims of the floods brought by Tropical Storm Ida to the Hurley Community. The American Electric Power Foundation and the United Way of Southwest Virginia have created a dedicated emergency fund, with all proceeds to go to the effort.

“Today the United Way and the AEP Foundation purchased more than100 lanterns, more than 100 flashlights and the batteries needed to run them,” said Travis Staton, president and CEO of the United Way of Southwest Virginia. “We’re also looking at purchasing food vouchers, coolers and ice, hopefully in the next few hours as well.”

The storm left more than 20 homes uprooted from their foundations, according to media reports. The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department said it rescued around 50 people during the storm.

The United Way and the AEP Foundation are working with Buchanan County authorities to identify unique needs of Hurley, Va., residents. “As the storm was passing over Buchanan County, some students were forced to spend the night at their school because there was simply no way for them to make it home,” Staton said. “By working with our local partners in Buchanan County, we can make sure this assistance is distributed to those in greatest need first.”

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