News

Actions

Akron area resident collecting donations to help West Virginia flood victims

Flood destroyed 1,200 homes, claimed 23 lives
Posted at 3:10 PM, Jul 03, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-03 15:50:33-04

Thousands of West Virginians are working to reclaim their lives after historic floods wreaked havoc on several counties across the state.

Nearly 1,200 homes and businesses were destroyed and 23 lives were claimed, according to the Associated Press.

“Seeing the devastation just breaks my heart," Heather Anderson said. 

Anderson, along with volunteers from the Lakemore United Methodist Church near Akron, are currently collecting donations to help flood victims.

"In so many tragedies you see things happen and you think, 'somebody should those people or somebody should do something.' And, I woke up Monday morning and I thought 'I'm going to be that somebody,'" Anderson said.

The group is working to fill a semi-truck, donated by SH Transportation, by Tuesday, July 5.

Anderson, born and raised in West Virginia, told newsnet5.com she wanted to help because she has firsthand experience with floods. Both of her grandmothers lost everything, on two separate occasions, to floods in West Virginia. 

"I know the devastation that it is to wake up and go, 'I have nothing," Anderson said. 

Here's a list of items needed: 

Donations are being accepting July 3 and 4 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Lakemore United Methodist Church, 1536 Flickinger Road.