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Center for Community Engagement
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Dollars for Disaster

What is Dollars for Disaster?

Dollars for Disaster is an as-needed basis initiative started by a group of WVU students in 2005 as a response to the Indonesian Tsunami. The initiative has since collected monetary and supply donations for Hurricane Katrina, the Haitian earthquake, the 2016 flooding in Southern West Virginia, and other disasters. During each campaign, the CCE assists in coordination of a campus-wide initiative, compiles resources and information, and serves as a clearing house for relief efforts.

West Virginia Emergency Management

Current service efforts

When a storm passes, there are various volunteer opportunities for the community to come together. Information about volunteering directly in some of the affected areas can be found below as they become available. It is important that you DO NOT self-deploy, but respond to coordinated volunteer efforts.

Find a variety of volunteer opportunities and community partners below!

"I want to help": 
If you are looking to make a donation, consider one of these options:

WVU led a coordinated donation drive for items in highest demand, working in partnership with the Spark of Love Foundation. 

Continue to check back for more opportunities to help. We are taking direction from our partners who specialize in disaster relief and the communities we serve.

"I need help", or "Someone I know needs help": 
If you or your family have been impacted, you are encouraged to report damages through the West Virginia Disaster Survey. This survey is not an application for aid but a survey to collect information on the state of damages in your county.

If you are a student who has been impacted or need to talk to someone, please contact the Carruth Center.

If you are in need of help, contact WV 211 by call or text.

Join our friends at ETSU in supporting local communties:  Bucs Rebuild Together

Service Opportunities

American Red Cross - North Central WV Chapter
Sign up to volunteer and assist those effected by flood disasters in North Central West Virginia. 

For those needing assistance, call  1-800-Red-CROSS. 

Volunteer Opportunities Needed:

  • Disaster Action Team: Be a part of the team that responds to those affected by disasters such as home fires.
  • Disaster Recovery Caseworker: Guide those impacted by disasters on their path to recovery by providing resources and support.
  • Disaster Health Services: Use your licensed healthcare professional skills to meet the healthcare related needs of those impacted by disasters 
Fairmont Location: 
405 1st Street, Fairmont, WV, 26554
West Virginia Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters
West Virginia Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (WV VOAD) responds to disaster-related needs across the entire state, addressing immediate and long-term needs. WV VOAD understands the importance of and greatly appreciates the services and contributions made by volunteers. Their hard work and dedication to assisting families in need is the driving force to helping families recover from disaster. 

Join the movement by volunteering with WV VOAD!

Donation Collection Sites

WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities

Need: 

  • New clothing suitable for college-aged young adults.
  • Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo, etc.)
  • School supplies for college-aged young adults.
  • Non-perishable food items.

Location: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities, 959 Hartman Run Road

Financial donations can be made by noting "MODIFY Student Support."

Marion County Rescue Squad

Need: Hygiene Items

Location: 400 Virginia Avenue, Fairmont, WV

Alternative Drop-off Locations:

  • Arthurdale Heritage at Center Hall (Until 6/19)
Tygart Valley United Way

Need: Clothing Items

Location: 221 Washington Street, Fairmont, WV

Alternative Drop-off Locations: 

  • Pierpont Community and Technical Center, Advanced Technology Center

Fairmont Public Safety Building

Need: Clean-up Item Donations

Location: 500 Quincy Street, Fairmont, WV

Service Opportunities

United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley
Current list of support and volunteer opportunities from United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley.
United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley
Ohio Valley Mutual Aid

Ohio Valley Mutual Aid is offering assistance to those needing help cleaning out basements or homes after the flood. If you need help or would like to volunteer for cleanup, please fill out the form linked below:

Ohio Valley Flood Cleanup

Appalachian Outreach, INC.

Support is available for individuals impacted by recent flooding. Items provided may include clothing, food, hygiene products, bedding, and more. Donations are needed and welcomed.

Location: 3900 Wood Street, Wheeling, WV

Contact: 304-238-4312 or 304-830-5197

The Soup Kitchen of Greater Wheeling, Inc.

Now accepting donations for local flood victims. Collection hours are daily from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Location: 1610 Eoff Street, Wheeling, WV

Volunteers are welcome!

Most needed items:

  • Bottled water
  • Bread, lunchmeat, fruit cups, small bags of chips, granola bars
  • Baby wipes and disinfectant wipes
  • Cleaning supplies (bleach, disinfectant, gloves, paper towels, etc.)
  • Other shelf-stable or ready-to-eat items
Red Cross – Ohio River Valley (Wheeling)
  • Disaster Action Team:  Be a part of the team that responds to those affected by disasters such as home fires.
  • Disaster Recovery Caseworker:  Guide those impacted by disasters on their path to recovery by providing resources and support.
  • Disaster Health Services:  Use your licensed healthcare professional skills to meet the healthcare related needs of those impacted by disasters 

  • Address: 193 29th Street, Wheeling, WV 26003
  • Phone: 1-844-216-8286

Chef N Company

Hot meals by Chef Adam at Chef N Company are available to all community members in the greater Wheeling area. Chef is also accepting raw product donations, such as mean produce, or pantry items, that can be safely broken down and prepared into nourishing meals. 

  • Location: American Legion Post One, Wheeling, WV, 
  • Time: Open drop off times for donations
    • Meals available at 5:00 PM
House of Carpenter
Accepting the following donation items: gloves, masks, square-faced shovels, squeegees, cleaning supplies. Volunteers welcome!
  • Location: 200 South Front Street, Wheeling, WV
  • Time: 9 AM to 3 PM

Salvation Army: Wheeling Corps
Wheeling Corps is currently working with our Upper Ohio Valley United Way and other agencies to provide resources such as our shelter for flood related victims. Volunteers and donations welcome.  
  • Location: 140 16th Street, Wheeling, WV
  • Contact Information: 304-233-4400
Valley Grove Volunteer Fire Department
Water and supply distribution of cleaning kits available for flood relief. 
  • Location: 355 Firehouse Lane, Valley Grove, WV  26060 
  • Contact Information: 304-547-0347 

Monetary Donations

The United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley is accepting financial donations for residents displaced by flooding in Ohio County. For immediate assistance, dial 211 to contact the United Way Support Team.

Organization: United Way, Wheeling, WV

Location: 140 16th Street, Wheeling, WV

Pet and Animal Support

Marshall County Humane Society is requesting pet supply donations for animals affected by the Ohio River Valley flood.

Drop-off Location: 37 Animal Shelter Drive, Moundsville, WV

Please label donations for "Ohio River Valley Flood Relief."

Disaster Preparedness and Safety Tips

In flood-affected areas, it is vital for both volunteers and those impacted by natural disasters to follow standard safety and preparedness guidelines.

Vital Contact Information

 WV Damage Assessment Survey


Volunteer Support

  1. Prepare for Safe Volunteering

    Volunteering in flood disaster zones means facing personal and environmental challenges while offering vital support to the communities most in need.

    • Wear Proper Gear: Pack the correct gear and dress accordingly to service initiative. Wear rainboots and protective gear for direct flood cleanup efforts. Bring first-aid kits. 
    • Check Your Health: Be sure you're physically and mentally ready for demanding conditions. Stay rested, hydrated, and nourished.
    • Plan Safe Travels: Before heading out, check for road closures and local weather alerts. Never drive through standing or moving floodwaters

  2. While in the Field: Stay Alert & Informed

    • Be Cautious of Flood Water Hazards: Flood water may contain raw sewage, oil, gas, pesticides, debris, and other harmful toxins. 
    • Always work in teams: Never work alone. Stay with a designated volunteer partner or group to ensure safety and accountability in the field.
    • Follow Instructions: Volunteer leads will provide crucial information to volunteers. Do not enter unsafe structures or attempt rescue without training.


Flood Relief Donation and Volunteer Locations


Find local nonprofits and organizations in the Ohio River Valley and North Central West Virginia where you can donate or volunteer. Your support will help those affected by recent flash flooding in the region.

 United Way Flood Relief Donation


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