When Bridgeport High School junior, Wes Cotter, sits down with his family for Thanksgiving, they will be counting sobriety among their many blessing this year.  Both of his brothers who have battled addiction will be with the family celebrating nearly two years of being clean.  The Cotters have seen first-hand how difficult the recovery process can be.  Many of those trying to get clean are doing so without family support, warm clothing and meals, and basic necessities that offer comfort and convenience.

 

As Wes watched his brothers navigate the process of recovery, it broke his heart that so many people in the facility did not have the resources and opportunities his family had. In June, he started Recover WV, a non-profit organization that can aid those who are recovering without support systems, who feel isolated and shamed, and who need basic supplies for grooming and warmth.

 

As a member of Bridgeport High School DECA, Recover WV is partnering with DECA to sponsor a donation drive for Recovery Point Parkersburg, a non-profit that offers recovery services free of charge to clients across the state.  There are currently 94 residents at the facility and the donation drive would provide items such as notebooks, pens, socks, underwear, hoodies and jackets, warm gloves and hats and hygiene items such as deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, and soap.

 

BHS DECA has also included the other high school clubs in the donation drive, which will end on December 6 so that students can deliver the donations to Recovery Point.  They are extending the donation opportunity to area churches, Celebrate Recovery groups, and the general public to provide for those in recovery. Donation boxes have been set up at Bridgeport High School, Benedum Civic Center, and Celebrate Recovery at the Johnson Avenue location of Bridgeport United Methodist Church. 

 

“The process of recovery is already so hard and our family has seen the struggles people go through, said Cotter.  “We just want to pay it forward and help others.  We want to show them that we believe in them and validate their efforts with kindness.”

 

Items listed above will be collected through December 6 and delivered directly to Recovery Point Parkersburg in December.  Additional information can be directed to trinarunner@gmail.com.