(From left to right) WVU Tech students Larisa Griffith, Leah Morris, Samuel Miller and James Peyatt stand next to a truck full of supplies.
Beckley, W.Va. – Students at the West Virginia University Institute of Technology are gathering supplies to send to victims of Hurricane Helene on Friday, October 4, 2024.
Student Government Association (SGA) President Samuel Miller said this initiative was sparked by SGA Senator Fayth Laxton, who contacted the executive team to investigate ways the students of WVU Tech could support victims of the severe weather and flooding impacting neighboring states.
“Once Fayth made the call on Sunday, we were able to get an executive session together by Tuesday,” Miller said. “Our SGA voted unanimously to commit $1,000 to purchasing supplies to support hurricane recovery efforts in Appalachia.”
The SGA will purchase food, water, flashlights, batteries, rescue supplies, rakes, shovels, and other cleanup supplies to send to affected areas.
“We’re planning to go shopping on this morning for everything people might need down there for rescue efforts and to just clean up,” Miller said. “Our Vice President, James Peyatt has connections with the volunteers transporting supplies to these areas, so a truck is going to be here on campus this afternoon to load up all the stuff we gather and take it to the disaster areas.”
These efforts bring a lot of pride to those at WVU Tech who work with these students. Dean of Students Emily Sands said this kind of service brings up a lot of feelings for her.
“I am extremely proud of these students for the work and dedication they’ve shown for people living in these areas,” Sands said. “People need help, and these students are answering the call.”