EDITOR'S NOTE: Bridgeport Fire Department will continue to accept donations for southern WV flood relief 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily through Friday, July 1.

 

Bridgeport firefighters and volunteers did a lot of lifting Saturday as they formed an orderly assembly line that stretched from visiting vehicles to a trailer on which a handwritten sign said “Flood Donations.”

 

All day long, a steady stream of vehicles drove through Bridgeport Fire Department – vehicles that were filled with cases of water, cleaning supplies, paper and personal care products, books, various other items – and very generous folks.

 

Director of Bridgeport Emergency Services Laura Pysz said she was in awe of the response to Friday’s announcement that the fire department would serve as a collection point for donations to flood relief for the southern portion of our great state of West Virginia.

But then again, she said no one should be too surprised.  

 

“That’s the way Bridgeport is,” she said. “When there’s a need, they make sure it’s met.”

 

The donations came from folks who live in the Bridgeport vicinity and from various surrounding communities. Some drove well out of their way and said they didn’t mind one bit. They said they felt for their neighbors in Kanawha, Greenbrier and Nicholas counties who were devastated by flooding Thursday.

 

“It makes me feel better to help,” said one contributor as she placed her hand over her heart. “I feel so blessed that we escaped it. It could have happened to us.”

 

It certainly could have. During the days immediately before Thursday’s torrential rains and heavy winds that swept through cities including Richwood, White Sulphur Springs and Clendenin, meteorologists and emergency personnel worked tirelessly right here in our communities monitoring the approaching weather and urging residents to be prepared and be safe. As the hours ticked away, there was little sleep for those professionals; two of whom said these very words to me: “This kind of weather forecast is why I do what I do. It’s about helping people be prepared for what’s to come and playing a part in saving lives and property.”

 

During Tuesday’s very early hours, our area did receive downpours which made waters rise and claps of thunder that shook structures and a few nerves. But as the day went on, heavy warnings for a second round of weather turned to a decreasing risk that we would see derecho-type weather.

 

Then with horror, we watched and listened to stories of our southern West Virginia neighbors who were living a nightmare; many of those families connected to locals by blood and friendship. At last count, 24 individuals lost their lives. Hundreds lost their homes. With the help of about 200 National Guardsman, crews in eight counties performed swift water rescues, search and rescue efforts and health and welfare checks, the Associated Press reported.

 

Governor Earl Ray Tomblin declared a State of Emergency for 44 of the state’s 55 counties.He said the flooding was among the worse in a century for some portions of the state. 

 

According to ABC News, Kanawha, Greenbrier and Nicholas counties will receive federal disaster assistance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency will provide individual assistance, including emergency medical support, housing and other immediate needs.

And items collected in Bridgeport this weekend - and other cities throughout the Mountain State - are on their way to these devastated areas and will find their way into the hands of those who are in desperate need. That effort is being coordinated by VOAD – Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. You can donate financially through VOAD's effort HERE. (Specify VOAD under "Donations/Other.")

 

 

If you missed Saturday, the collection is ongoing throughout the week. As trailers are filled, they will travel south, Pysz said. See her full interview at the video below. Bridgeport Fire Captain Steve Gallo and a crew of city firefighters and paramedics left Friday to provide on-site relief efforts. 

 

See a gallery of photos of the collection effort at the gallery link below. 

 

Editor's Note: Flood photos courtesy of the Charleston Gazette and CNN. 

 

Julie Perine can be reached at 304-848-7200, julie@connect-bridgeport.com or follow @JuliePerine on Twitter. More "It's Happening" HERE. 

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Community Responds Generously to Bridgeport Fire Department Flood Relief Effort