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WVU Medicine has given $50,000 to the Lewis Upshur Flood Assistance Fund, one of two official funds collecting money for flood recovery in Upshur County.
More than 350 people have given to the fund, which is administered by Tygart Valley United Way.
“The Lewis Upshur Flood Assistance Fund has received over 350 individual donations from across West Virginia and the country,” Tygart Valley United Way Chief Executive Officer Brett White said. “WVU Medicine recently made a significant donation of $50,000 to support the efforts.”
The second fund, held by the Rotary Club of Buckhannon Upshur Foundation, received its first major contribution Monday — $25,000 from Citizens Bank of West Virginia.
“As a community bank, we believe in standing alongside our friends and neighbors during times of need,” Citizens Bank of West Virginia President and Chief Executive Officer Nathaniel S. Bonnell said. “We are honored to make the first contribution of $25,000 to the Rotary Club of Buckhannon Upshur Foundation’s Flood Relief Fund and encourage others to join us in supporting this important effort to help our communities recover and rebuild.”
The City of Buckhannon and the Upshur County Commission named the two organizations as the official channels for anyone who wants to contribute money toward local flood recovery.
Both the Rotary Foundation and Tygart Valley United Way have formally asked the city and the county commission to help oversee how the money is distributed, according to the city and the commission. The two bodies will work with established civic and community organizations to:
- Identify households and individuals with verified unmet needs
- Prioritize help for residents facing severe damage, displacement or loss of essential property
- Coordinate with volunteer groups, case-management teams and long-term recovery partners
- Keep transparent documentation and reporting for all disbursements
- Avoid duplication of benefits and stay in compliance with state and federal guidelines
Contributions to the Rotary Club of Buckhannon Upshur Foundation Flood Relief Fund may now be made through the Rotary Foundation’s secure online portal. The portal accepts credit cards, allows donors to designate gifts for Upshur County flood recovery and provides electronic receipts. Checks payable to the Rotary Club of Buckhannon Upshur Foundation may still be presented at any Citizens Bank of West Virginia location or mailed to Rotary Club of Buckhannon Upshur Foundation, PO Box 2573, Buckhannon, WV 26201. Foundation Treasurer Don Nestor can answer questions at 304-439-0568.
Contributions to the Tygart Valley United Way fund can be made online at secure.qgiv.com/for/lewisupshurfloodfund.
