Home Aftermath of Helene: Donation, resource center set up to support communities in Southwest Virginia
Virginia News

Aftermath of Helene: Donation, resource center set up to support communities in Southwest Virginia

Crystal Graham
volunteer signup sheet
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A donation and resource center has been set up to support residents of southwest Virginia who need assistance due to Hurricane Helene, according to the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.

The remnants of the storm produced heavy rainfall and caused severe flooding and damage to homes, roadways and other structures.

While the community still deals with the devastation, people in surrounding areas have asked to help.

The United Way of Southwest Virginia has set up a relief fund and resource center open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.

The center is located at 744 N. Beaver Dam Ave. in Damascus.

Those wishing to volunteer to help in the cleanup or donate cleaning supplies or pet food may come to the center. Residents who need assistance are also welcome.

Monetary donations may be made to the 2024 Southwest Virginia Disaster Relief Fund. Monetary donations are more effective and allow resources to be quickly directed where they are needed most, according to VDEM. To date, more than $20,000 has been contributed to the fund.

Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

Crystal Abbe Graham is the regional editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, she has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of Virginia Tonight, a nightly TV news show on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television.