Dear Friend,

Communities across the country are currently struggling in the aftermath of devastating floods, with many families still waiting for answers and support. This includes families in West Virginia.

On the evening of June 14, over 4 inches of rain fell in 45 minutes onto already waterlogged terrain in Ohio County, West Virginia, leading to unprecedented flash flooding along several creeks. The flood swept away cars, houses, and entire neighborhoods in Triadelphia and Valley Grove.

Will you help Easterseals provide essential resources to all impacted by this devastating flood?

Pam, 55, has received services from Easterseals since the 1970s. She uses a wheelchair and has cerebral palsy. That Saturday night, floodwaters swept her from her wheelchair as she and her husband watched from their porch. Her neighbor Chuck was also caught in the water. They both struggled to stay above the surface. Chuck managed to grab hold of a neighbor's porch and pulled Pam to safety. Her custom power wheelchair was destroyed, and her home is now unlivable.

Nine people died in the flood. Hundreds of residents lost their homes. Volunteers are shoveling mud from basements and streets. Many still lack power and water service.

With so many families displaced and essential services still out, our community cannot wait for outside help. Easterseals West Virginia is our closest Affiliate, located just miles from the hardest-hit areas and is coordinating immediate relief efforts for the families we serve and their neighbors.

Your contributions will directly provide essential resources like:

1. Hygiene items and clothing
2. Food and cleaning supplies
3. Temporary housing assistance
4. Replacement of household items and furniture

Will you help Pam and others rebuild? These stories make up a small fraction of the urgent needs coming from impacted communities. Right now, our teams lack the resources to provide needed assistance for clients, employees, and families we serve that were impacted by these floods—which is why we are reaching out to you.

Your contribution can make a real difference. By donating, you will ensure people like Pam have access to essential resources as they begin to rebuild their lives.

Together, we can show our commitment to helping our communities recover.

Thank you for your generosity and support.

Warm regards,
– Betsy Bethel-McFarland
Easterseals West Virginia