United Way of Southwest Virginia's Buchanan County flood response underway

Abingdon, VA (July 13, 2022) – United Way of Southwest Virginia (UWSWVA) has begun work with community partners to provide both short- and long-term assistance to families affected by the flooding of July 12, 2022 in the Dismal River, Hale Creek, Jewell Valley, Patterson, Pilgrim's Knob and Whitewood areas of Buchanan County. Initial reports from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management indicated more than 100 homes were damaged or destroyed during the flooding.
"AEP has donated a significant sum to allow us to purchase flashlights, lanterns, coolers and other necessities for those without power," said Travis Staton, UWSWVA president and CEO.
"Southwest Virginia is blessed with individuals and organizations that step up in times like this," Staton said. "Even before we could call Food City, for instance, they already had a truck full of bottled water on the way. Southwest Virginians take care of Southwest Virginians."
The Thompson Charitable Foundation has committed to assisting with the long-term recovery process.

UWSWVA has activated an online portal for those wishing to donate to the long-term recovery process following these most recent floods. "We have experience and expertise with long-term disaster recovery, from the tornadoes in Glade Spring a decade ago through the flooding in Hurley last year, and we stand ready to help the families who will need long-term assistance here." Staton said the newly established Buchanan County 2022 Disaster Fund will be entirely separate from the Hurley Long-Term Recovery Fund, which remains active.
Anyone wishing to donate to the Buchanan County 2022 Disaster Fund may do so at https://unitedwayswva.charityproud.org/Donate/Index/19717 or by calling Cristie Lester at 276.525.4071.