West Virginia University teamed up with the American Red Cross to hold an emergency water collection from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday (July 6) to help those throughout the state still without power following the previous Friday’s storm.

Volunteers were stationed at the front of the Mountainlair and the blue gate at the WVU Coliseum to collect bottled water and monetary donations for the American Red Cross to use for storm relief.

By the end of Friday (July 6) the University had collected more than 1,000 cases of water that weighed nearly 5.9 tons, and more than $2,000 to assist those suffering in the heat without electricity. Those making donations drove from as far as Pittsburgh and Uniontown in Pennsylvania, and Clarksburg and Weston in West Virginia. Thirty-two volunteers staffed the donation sites on Friday.

The donations are being taken to the Red Cross distribution center in Mt. Nebo.

The University is also providing accommodations in Lincoln Hall to more than 100 line workers with First Energy Corp. who will be endeavoring to restore power in the surrounding areas. The workers will be in town from July 6 until approximately July 10, depending on the length of time needed for repairs.

If you are interested in helping with the West Virginia storm relief effort, contact the Red Cross at its statewide volunteer reception line at 304-340-3650.

More than 600,000 households in West Virginia were left without power following a rare derecho storm on June 29. Electric utility crews continue to restore power throughout the state and are hopeful to have all electricity restored by Sunday.

-WVU-

td/07/05/12

CONTACT: Brett White, Center for Civic Engagement
304-293-8762, Brett.White@mail.wvu.edu

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