All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

WVDEP’s Leigh Ann Shaffer named United Way Campaign Coordinator of the Year

The inaugural award recognizes the outstanding contributions made by a coordinator throughout the campaign year

CHARLESTON – The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s (WVDEP) Leigh Ann Shaffer was presented with the inaugural United Way Campaign Coordinator of the Year Award by the United Way of Central West Virginia at a luncheon at its headquarters Thursday.

The newly established award recognizes a specific campaign organizer for their outstanding efforts over the campaign year and their willingness to go above and beyond in raising funds for the United Way.

Shaffer, who took over as the WVDEP United Way Coordinator in 2018, helped the WVDEP raise just over $20,000 this year alone – almost half of the $50,271 raised by all state agencies, and up $7,300 from last year.

“Leigh Ann has done a tremendous job and we’re extremely proud of the work she’s done for the DEP in the United Way campaign,” said WVDEP Cabinet Secretary Austin Caperton. “The United Way is such an important organization in this state and helps so many people. We’re honored to be involved with the program and to have them recognize Leigh Ann for her efforts.”

An employee in the WVDEP’s Office of Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) for four years, Shaffer regularly organized fundraising events such as raffles for Cincinnati Reds baseball game tickets, WVU football game tickets, 50/50 drawings, and Clay Center concert tickets, as well as silent auctions, food sales, door decorating contests, and a cookout.

“I’m very appreciative of the award, it’s amazing,” Shaffer said. “We have a great group of people, and I’m hoping for an even better turnout next year.”

The United Way of Central West Virginia serves five counties: Kanawha, Putnam, Boone, Logan and Clay, and aided over 60,000 residents this past year. The organization assists with shoe drives, food pantries, dental services, and more. For more information on the United Way of Central West Virginia or to get involved, visit www.unitedwaycwv.com.

For more WVDEP news and information, go to www.dep.wv.gov. Also, connect with the agency on all social media platforms. Follow @DEPWV on Twitter, Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/depwv/, and find us on YouTube at Environment Matters.

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