WHEELING, W.Va. — The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston has announced a special disaster relief collection to support communities across West Virginia that were heavily impacted by the flash flooding on July 21.
Diocesan officials said the flooding caused widespread damage, leaving many roads, hospitals, churches and emergency communication centers closed or inaccessible as recovery efforts continue.
Bishop Evelio Menjívar thanked first responders, volunteers, parish communities, Catholic schools and Catholic Charities West Virginia for assisting those affected by the disaster.
In a statement, the bishop encouraged West Virginians to continue praying for flood victims while also supporting recovery efforts through financial donations.
Special collections will be held at parishes and missions throughout the Diocese on the weekends of Aug. 1-2 or Aug. 8-9. Parishioners are asked to make checks payable to their local parish with “Disaster Relief” written in the memo line.
Residents who wish to contribute immediately can also make online donations through the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston’s disaster relief fund.
According to the Diocese, all funds collected will remain in West Virginia and will be administered by Catholic Charities West Virginia to support both immediate and long-term recovery efforts.
Funds will be distributed in the following order of priority:
- Local parishes providing direct assistance to families affected by the flooding.
- Catholic Charities West Virginia regional staff providing short-term disaster relief.
- Partner agencies working with Catholic Charities to assist flood victims.
- Long-term recovery efforts, including helping families rebuild homes and restore safe living conditions after other emergency response organizations have completed their work.
Diocesan leaders are asking the faithful to continue keeping flood victims in their prayers while supporting relief efforts for families who have lost homes, vehicles, employment and access to food and clean water.
