CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The ongoing flood recovery efforts of Charleston-based Mountain Mission got a boost Tuesday with a $26,500 contribution from AARP organizations from West Virginia, Virginia and Kentucky.
It’s been nearly six months since the devastating June 23 floods and it’s a good time to remind everyone of the ongoing need, said AARP West Virginia State Director Gaylene Miller.
“We want to bring (the need) back to top of mind,” she said. “We know we still have neighbors and friends that need our help. Particularly in this season of giving, it’s critical that we show our support to those folks who are still suffering.”
AARP made an initial contribution shortly after the flood that destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses in more than a dozen West Virginia counties. Miller said they wanted to do more.
“Our folks across the state borders, AARP in Virginia and AARP in Kentucky, wanted to know how things were going and what they could do to help. So we came together as a tri-state team to add an additional contribution,” she said.
Mountain Mission Executive Director John Roberts said the money would be used to help flood victims with Christmas and the ongoing HOPE efforts that are getting victims back into their repaired homes.
“Knowing that 100 percent of this money is going to support the flood victims is huge,” Roberts said. “There are not just simple problems. This is a long term recovery and we have to make sure we’re here for the long haul.”