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Two dogs, stranded by the floods surging across West Virginia. (Photo courtesy Angie Shaffier/Fill the Truck for WV Facebook page)
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A glimpse at the devastation the floods have brought to several counties in West Virginia; reports indicate 23 people have been killed and more than 1,200 homes lost in the floodwaters. (Photo courtesy Angie Shaffier/Fill the Truck for WV Facebook page)
Angie Shaffier was hit particularly hard when she heard about the severe flooding in West Virginia last week. Her heart went out to the victims of the mass flooding, especially to those in Greenbrier County, where she was born and raised. With the help of Cox Transportation, Shaffier plans to gather as many supplies as possible and transport them to Greenbrier this Friday, July 1.
In what is being called a “one in 1,000-year event,” West Virginia’s flooding had taken the lives of 23 people as of press time (authorities say the number may rise as the waters recede and debris is cleared from the area). Many residents have been left homeless and are seeking refuge in shelters, while others are left to clean up the mud soaked floors and ravaged furniture that once decorated their homes.
“The first thing I thought was, ‘Oh no, another 1985 flood,’” said Shaffier, who is a Virginia State Trooper in the Richmond Division. “But this surpassed it by far.”
After hearing the devastating news, Shaffier jumped into rescue mode and reached out to the community for help in her endeavor. Her fundraiser, “Fill the Truck for West Virginia” has received an outpouring of attention and was only started only two days ago.
West Virginia native Angie Shaffier is leading a fundraising campaign to help the citizens affected by severe flooding across a wide swatch of West Virginia. She's inviting Richmonders to fill up a tractor trailer with supplies to be shipped to Greenbriar Friday, July 1. (Photo courtesy Angie Shaffier)
Shaffier created a Facebook page for this fundraiser, and in just 12 hours, 241 people liked the page, and her plan to fill two pick up trucks quickly expanded. Community members have already poured so much love and support into this mission.
“The response has been overwhelming,” Shaffier said. “The truck is nowhere near full, but I have no doubt it will be by Friday.”
Although she is a resident of Rockville now, she hasn’t forgotten her roots in West Virginia. Shaffier still has family and friends back in Greenbrier, including her parents who, thankfully, were not affected by the mass flooding. When she talked with her father about the damage he said, “You’re never going to believe it when you get here.”
On Saturday June 25th, President Obama signed a major declaration allocating federal funds to be used for emergency medical support and housing, along with other needs. While this is a vital part of rebuilding, there is much more that can be done, starting with donating supplies.
While Shaffier says any donation is greatly appreciated, there are specific items in demand, including diapers, kids’ toys, cat and dog food, blankets, furniture and batteries. And before the victims of this disaster can begin rebuilding their homes, they must clean up the mess; therefore, any cleaning supplies are more than welcome.
While the community has surely stepped up and showed their support, Shaffier could still use more help. Many people have offered to donate furniture and appliances, but help is needed to transport them to the truck.
All donations should be delivered to the Cox truck, which is set up at 17347 Pouncey Tract Road in Rockville. For any questions or a look at the extended list of needed supplies, please visit the Facebook page, Fill the Truck for WV or message Angie Shaffier on Facebook.
