Ascend Members Lending Hearts and Hands

We saw Ascend members come through in a big way to help their Appalachian neighbors during Hurricane Helene, and we're seeing it again when catastrophic flooding hit closer to home.

In February 2025, many already distressed communities in southern WV were devastated by historic flooding. Ascend members from around the state are pitching in with donations, gathering supplies, providing transportation for supply drop-offs, and literally getting their hands dirty to help those in need. Emma Crow-Willard of Ascend Morgantown Area is organizing a "house-mucking" trip to Welch, WV to help dig out houses for two days. Here is more information from Emma if you would like to get involved: "I just spoke with Don Stilgenbauer in Welch who is eager to have help mucking houses. He is organizing a team meeting Monday evening at New Vision Depot in Beaver and mucking Tuesday and Wednesday, and returning Wednesday night. They have about 150 houses that need mucking.  Here are the details:Meet: Monday night March 3 for initial information at 8pm at New Vision Depot in Beaver, WV. 143 Southern, Industrial Dr, Beaver, WV 25813.

Start mucking Tuesday morning. Will muck Tuesday and Wednesday and return home Wednesday night. Housing and meal is provided. Just bring

- a sleeping bag and pillow or sheets and pillow and toothbrush/paste.

- snacks and water, as food is not easy to find

- muck boots and clothes you're willing to get dirty

- work gloves If you want to join, please text your name and birthday to Don at 304-210-5403 (he has to add you to the insurance). If you can't join the team but would like to donate, please find more information on the flyer below.

A huge thank you to all of you and the ways you give of yourselves every day. You are making West Virginia better, just by being you!