In response to the severe flash flooding affecting residents and businesses across Lewis County, the Lewis County Community Foundation is mobilizing emergency disaster relief funding to support frontline recovery efforts.

The Lewis County Community Foundation receives its charitable 501(c)(3) status through the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation (PACF). Together, they work to improve the quality of life in Lewis County now and for generations to come.

Kickstarting this vital effort, generous private donors and the PACF have already stepped forward to contribute $20,000 to launch the Lewis County Emergency Relief Fund.  With this strong seed funding in place, the Foundation is issuing a rallying cry to local residents, businesses, and community leaders to join the cause and help expand the fund to meet the growing needs of recovery.

100% of every donation will go directly toward grants for nonprofit organizations serving Lewis County. Funding will support long-term recovery services and will deploy critical resources to affected residents and local businesses.

Grant recommendations will be led by the Foundation's local Advisory Committee, a dedicated group of volunteers who live and work in Lewis County.  Their firsthand local knowledge ensures that resources are directed to where they are needed most urgently.  Rather than providing direct assistance to individuals, the Lewis County Emergency Relief Fund strengthens the network of local nonprofits leading the response on the ground.

"As a community foundation, our purpose is twofold: to build lasting support for our region over the long term, and to act swiftly when emergency strikes," said Julie Posey, the PACF's Associate Director of Development and Stewardship.  "Our neighbors in Lewis County are facing immense challenges right now.  Thanks to the generosity of local donors who stepped up to contribute our initial $20,000, we have a strong foundation.  Now, we’re asking the community to take up the torch and join us in supporting the organizations doing the heavy lifting to help our neighbors rebuild."

Community members and businesses can donate by visiting www.pacfwv.com/give and selecting the Lewis County Emergency Relief Fund.  To contribute by mail, send a check payable to PACF with "Lewis County Relief" written on the memo line to PO Box 1762, Parkersburg, WV 26101. 
 

Agencies or individuals with questions about the Foundation or the Lewis County Emergency Relief Fund should contact the PACF at 304-428-4438.