Bishop Menjivar Asks For Special Collections Throughout Diocese To Aid In Flood Relief

WHEELING -- The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston announced Wednesday that it is asking all parishes and missions to conduct special collections for disaster relief following devastating storms and flooding that affected several regions across West Virginia.

The Most Rev. Evelio Menjívar, bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, thanked those who have already assisted with relief efforts, including volunteers from parishes, schools and Catholic Charities West Virginia, as well as first responders continuing to help victims.

“I ask you to join me in prayer for all those affected by the devastating flash flooding that occurred in many areas of our state on July 21,” Menjívar said. “I am thankful to see so many reports of people coming together from all parts of the state to lend support and comfort to their neighbors in need.

“Now is the time to put our faith into action, assisting our sisters and brothers in love and care for one another,” he continued. “Let us be the answer to their prayers for help and comfort. These beautiful mountains that we call home carry within themselves also many risks to human life, but every unfortunate event presents us an opportunity to rise up.”

Menjívar is asking all parishes and missions within the diocese to conduct special collections the weekends of Aug. 1-2 or Aug. 8-9.

Checks should be made payable to individual parishes with “Disaster Relief” written on the memo line. Immediate donations also can be made through the diocesan website.

All funds collected will remain in West Virginia and will be managed by Catholic Charities West Virginia. The money will support immediate and long-term needs identified by Catholic Charities and affiliated Catholic agencies.

Funds will be distributed according to a four-tier priority system:

-- Parishes in and around affected areas that directly assist families will receive funds from the collection to provide aid to those in need.

-- Catholic Charities West Virginia regional staff will receive funding for direct, short-term recovery assistance for flood victims.

-- Partner agencies working with Catholic Charities West Virginia to provide relief to residents affected by flooding will receive support.

-- Any remaining funds will be provided to Catholic Charities West Virginia for long-term humanitarian and recovery efforts, helping families rebuild and restore safe, secure and sanitary living conditions.