[Pictured above as water receded: Buffalo Road - Mannington (left) & Mannington Public Pool (right)]
Severe storms & heavy rains began falling on the evening of Friday, July 28th, with some areas in northern Marion & eastern Wetzel Counties experiencing more than four inches of rain per hour. These extreme rains, falling in such a short period of time; caused catastrophic flash flooding that affected hundreds of homes & business locations in these areas. The City of Mannington, in Marion County and the Town of Hundred, in Wetzel County bore the brunt of the flooding-- with many other smaller communities seeing damages as well. In fact, twelve (12) Counties in north central West Virginia saw some impact from the flood. On August 18th FEMA announced President Trump had approved major disaster declarations for West Virginia including Marion and Wetzel Counties.
As has been the tradition, when disasters happen-- our FBOR Members & Affiliates step up and get involved. Following the floods here in our local area, it was no different. Brokers, Members and Affiliates joined together and raised $1810 and also provided a Jeep-load of cleaning supplies and bottled water for those in need.
With the monies raised, FBOR was able to make significant donations to three (3) local organizations that reach beyond their own organizational boundaries and provide much needed services and support for their local community and other surrounding areas too. These organizations included: Mannington Fire Department, the Mannington Food Pantry & Clothes Closet and the Mannington Church of Christ.
Mannington Fire Department performed live water rescues and first-responder calls throughout the flood, however their early warning siren alert system was inoperable at the time, having been decommissioned for repairs/replacement prior to the flooding. FBOR's donation of $603 will be used to help repair/replace that early warning siren alert system. Pictured below: Tim Toothman, Associate Broker Picket Fences Realty, presents donation to Fire Chief James Moran, Mannington Fire Department.
The Mannington Church of Christ worked tirelessly & provided more than 1,040 fresh, hot, home-cooked meals to all the first-responders, flood victims, volunteers and national guard members in the week following the flood. Pictured below: Tim Toothman, Associate Broker Picket Fences Realty, presents donation check in the amount of $604 to Dr Michael P Reese, Minister of the Mannington Church of Christ.
Finally, FBOR provided a donation in the amount of $603 to the Mannington Food Pantry & Clothes Closet to assist in replenishing the supplies and essential food items the Pantry needs to continue supporting the local community. Each month, the Food Pantry directly supports and provides essential food items for more than 350 families in Mannington and the surrounding areas. Pictured below is Collen Morris, Director of the Mannington Food Pantry and Clothes Closet.
If anyone wishes to provide any additional support or donations to these or any other local organization, please do so. While the actual flooding is over and the clean-up is as well-- the families and businesses that were impacted will need continued support well into the future.
