Times West Virginian- 6-28-25
By: David Kirk- Fairmont
I’m often asked by coworkers or family members why I donate to the Tygart Valley United Way.
Typically, I refer to their close work with nonprofits, their annual tax preparation services, or their life-saving financial assistance programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it’s often the case that those highlights aren’t enough to prompt people to crack open their wallets.
But amid the recent Father’s Day Flood, I became completely justified in my choice to have money out of every paycheck go to the Tygart Valley United Way.
The leadership from Brett White and his team on Washington Street proved to me that my money is best spent at his organization. Just hours after Fairmont received rain levels that only come once in a thousand years, they launched the webpage, tvunitedway.org/flood, and have diligently updated that page with all the information pumped from the State, County and City agencies about resources, forms and volunteers, creating an easy-to-digest, one-stop shop for all Marion County residents.
Despite the turmoil, the United Way immediately began coordinating donation collection and distributions, orchestrating pick-ups and drop-offs with assistance from the City of Fairmont and the Marion County Rescue Squad.
They acted as a safe and sure donation outlet, raising funds for the residents who lived in the Fairmont Village Apartments, which collapsed as a result of the flooding. Thanks to that money, those residents won’t have to wait months to get a new home of their own.
I understand my tax dollars fund the Marion County Department of Homeland Security and went directly toward the swift emergency response the government implemented, but the Tygart Valley United Way stepped in and stepped up to fill a void in the chain of relief.
I saw their work firsthand, and it validated me in my annual pledge. I hope it encourages you to participate in their upcoming Day of Action, maybe volunteer for one of their many programs and projects. But if you want an easy way to say, “Thank you” for all the work they’ve done over the last several weeks, send over a donation. And when the time comes around and you hear the call for donations as part of their annual campaign, I hope you’ll join me and step up to support their work.