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Flood victims need specific assistance

As recovery from devastating floods in West Virginia — including one in Follansbee — continues, the needs of those affected are changing. Volunteers and relief agencies who have worked so tirelessly to aid in the recovery effort are now reporting that the overwhelming outpouring of support has pushed residents of the hardest-hit counties into the next steps in the process.

Just one distribution center, in Kanawha County, saw nearly $1.6 million in goods such as food, bottled water, cleaning supplies, baby items and toiletries donated and distributed. The West Virginia Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster estimates the total response so far has amounted to $8 million in donated goods.

That is incredible. West Virginians, our neighbors in other states, and those reached across the country through celebrity efforts and social media have shown just how deeply the love of our fellow Mountaineers and the need to help can run.

All that help has placed many residents in a position to have different needs. Money is still needed, but so are items such as gently used clothing, furniture and appliances.

A doctor who has been working closely with families affected by flooding reported two more needs: people who know how to use the construction supplies and equipment that is being donated; and someone to help them develop a better working relationship with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Residents of the areas devastated by flooding continue to express their gratitude, and will likely be the last folks to ask for continued to help. But the agencies on the ground know a transition in the continued support being given to those counties is essential. Surely those with the resources and skills to help will continue to do so.

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