Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston announces collection for disaster assistance
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WHEELING -- A special collection has been approved for all parishes and missions throughout the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston to support recovery efforts related to severe flooding in West Virginia.
Several counties have experienced generational flooding resulting in loss of life, property and livelihood, according to a release from the diocese.
The Most Rev. Mark Brennan, bishop of the diocese, approved the special collection to be held the weekends of Feb. 22-23 and March 1-2.
Checks should be made out to the respective parish with "Disaster Relief" on the memo line. Donations can also be made on the diocesan website at .
All of the money collected will remain in West Virginia and be managed by Catholic Charities West Virginia. Money will be allocated along a four-tier priority list:
1. Parishes in and around the affected area who directly assist families will receive funds to give aid to those in need.
2. CCWVa Regional staff will receive funding for direct, short-term recovery assistance to victims.
3. Partner agencies who work with CCWVa to administer relief to West Virginia residents affected by the flooding.
4. Funds will be given to CCWVa for long-term humanitarian and recovery efforts. This fund assists families and individuals after other organizations have moved on to help in the rebuilding process to restore safe, secure and sanitary living conditions.
To help jumpstart the collection and speed funding, Brennan has authorized a challenge grant in the amount of $50,000 through the West Virginia Catholic Foundation. These funds will be immediately distributed for relief efforts in the state. The bishop hopes the donation will spur others to give generously to help their neighbors in need, the release says.
The diocese asks people to remember in prayer all those whose lives have been changed in the wake of these disasters.