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BUCKHANNON – The Band of Brothers is building accessibility ramps, helping families recover from flooding and raising money to provide Christmas meals and presents.
Band of Brothers member Al Tucker told Buckhannon City Council at the October 1 meeting that the group, which began as a Friday morning Bible study, had marked its 14th anniversary with about 20 current members. Its work extends beyond the scenic calendars that help fund its projects, he said.
Tucker described members’ work on accessibility ramps and minor construction projects for people who need help getting into their homes.
He recounted a recent request from a woman whose stepmother needed an access ramp. Tucker said member Kevin Hawkins responded by going to measure for the project.
“The work that those guys are doing is really incredible,” Tucker said.
The group also has been visiting families affected by the July flood. Tucker said members checked on residents and returned with $2,000 checks or cash.
“We gave them some comfort. We prayed with them, hand them a check, and then we hug them,” Tucker said.
The group’s flood-relief campaign raised more than $90,000. At the October 1 meeting, Tucker said most of the money had reached people who needed it.
“We’re blessed that we live in a community that’s so generous,” Tucker said.
Christmas preparations are another part of the work ahead. Tucker described plans to coordinate food assistance with the Parish House and a coordinator in Lewis County. He said the effort could reach upwards of 500 families.
The plans include holiday food boxes and vouchers for Christmas presents.
“Now it’s time for our calendar fundraiser again, and we’d like to be there for the flood victims. We’re trying to provide Christmas meals and presents as we have done in the past,” Tucker told county commissioners in September.
The calendars feature Tucker’s photographs of West Virginia. In 2016, the group ordered 500 calendars and sold them all, Tucker said. Sales and donations brought in nearly $25,000 that year, helping the group provide Christmas food and presents for local families and flood-affected families in southern West Virginia.
This year’s fundraiser aims to raise $70,000 to $80,000. Tucker told the Upshur County Commission in September that local families would need about $40,000, possibly more, while the statewide organizations the group supports typically need about $30,000.
“So how are we going to raise money? Well, we’re going to sell as many calendars as we can,” Tucker told council. “Tell your family. Tell your friends.”
Mayor Robbie Skinner said he steers people asking for a calendar of his own photographs toward the Band of Brothers’ calendar because of the good work they do.
As the group continues that work, Tucker also invited people to consider joining in the future.
“Most of us have gray hair, so think about sometime in the future if you might want to come join the Band of Brothers,” Tucker said.
City council member Scott Randall said the presentation had moved him. He encouraged younger people to help fill the group’s ranks.
“Honestly, I didn’t think about joining until tonight, but am seriously considering it,” Randall said.
Readers can support the Christmas assistance effort by purchasing a 2027 West Virginia scenic calendar through the My Buckhannon store. Calendars also are available from Band of Brothers members. For information about the group or to purchase a calendar, contact Tucker at 304-704-4292.
