Here’s a list of where to find help or how to help in the aftermath of the weekend’s flooding. We’ll be updating this list as we get more information, so please send details and updates to news@cardinalnews.org.
Regionwide
Donations
The Two Virginias, One Mission Helping Hands, Healing Hearts telethon will broadcast live from the WVVA-TV studios in Bluefield this Saturday from 6-9 p.m. The fundraiser will also be simulcast on dozens of other television and radio stations throughout the region and will stream online.
The three-hour event will feature entertainment and sports celebrities with ties to the region, including “America’s Got Talent” winner Landau Eugene Murphy Jr., Steve Earle, “American Idol” champion Noah Thompson, Vince Gill, T. Graham Brown, Duane Allen of the Oakridge Boys and actress Tia Carrere.
The event will be cohosted by WVVA’s Joshua Bolden, Murphy, West Virginia-born actor Kevin Sizemore and Homer Hickam, whose memoir “Rocket Boys” became the hit film “October Sky.”
Contributions can be made at https://give.helpsalvationarmy.org/campaign/gray-media-west-virginia-floods/c667334. All proceeds will be collected and distributed by local Salvation Army chapters directly serving the flood-stricken areas.
The telethon will be simulcast and streamed across other television stations across the region: WSAZ Huntington/Charleston (streaming live on wsaz.com), WDBJ Roanoke (stream live on its Facebook page), live on Parkersburg/Marietta’s Me/MY TV and streaming live on wtap.com, live on Clarksburg’s Me TV, streaming live on WDTV Clarksburg/Fairmont and streaming live online at Watch Live through wvva.com as well as WVVA’s Facebook page.
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United Way of Southwest Virginia has activated the 2025 Southwest Virginia Winter Storm Flooding Fund to collect monetary donations for the counties that experienced significant flooding. Donations will be collected through March 18 and provided directly to the affected counties to assist in long-term recovery efforts.
Donations can be made online or by check to: United Way Southwest Virginia, P.O. Box 644, Abingdon, VA 24212.
Car seats
The Cumberland Plateau Health District is working with Safe Kids Heart of Appalachia to replace car seats and pack-n-plays for residents who have been impacted by the recent flooding.
Residents of Tazewell, Russell, Buchanan or Dickenson counties who have lost a car seat or pack-n-play due to the recent flooding can reach out to the district maternal and child health coordinator: Victoria.bartfai@vdh.virginia.gov, 276-883-1880.
Tetanus shots
The Virginia Department of Health is offering free tetanus shots. Call for details:
- Buchanan County: 276-935-4591
- Dickenson County: 276-926-4979
- Lee County: 276-346-2011
- Russell County: 276-889-7621
- Scott County: 276-386-1312
- Tazewell County: 276-988-5585
- Wise County/Norton: 276-328-8000
General information and damage reports
The Virginia Department of Emergency Management has compiled this list of flood recovery links, with information about filing damage reports, cleaning up after a flood, reporting price gouging and more.
Well testing
The Virginia Department of Health is offering free test kits for people who have residential private drinking water wells impacted by the recent flooding. Any well submerged during the flooding event is likely to be contaminated, even if there is no apparent damage.
The free private well test kits are available to residents in the LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau health districts. To qualify for testing, the well must first be disinfected and flushed. VDH recommends having a well driller assist with this process. For those choosing to disinfect the well themselves, all safety precautions and instructions should be followed using these instructions.
Once well users disinfect and flush their well, a free test kit can be requested by calling one of the following health departments:
- Buchanan County Health Department – 276-935-4591
- Dickenson County Health Department – 276-926-4979
- Lee County Health Department – 276-346-2011
- Russell County Health Department – 276-889-7621
- Scott County Health Department – 276-386-1312
- Tazewell County Health Department – 276-988-5585
- Wise County Health Department – 276-328-8000
Tests must be returned Monday through Thursday to the nearest local health department location within the Cumberland Plateau or LENOWISCO health districts. Samples should be delivered to one of the available locations by 4 p.m. on the same day the sample is taken.
For those who have tested their well and need assistance in understanding the test results, visit Well Informed Virginia. For more information about specific concerns regarding private wells, contact your local health department or a licensed well driller.
Buchanan County
Donations of water, food, cleaning supplies, cleaning towelettes and other items can be dropped off at Hurley Elementary/Middle School or the Slate Creek Volunteer Fire Department.
Dickenson County
Property assessments are underway for reported flood-damaged properties across the county. Residents are encouraged to report any damages sustained to ensure a thorough assessment and access to assistance.
- Homeowners and property owners who experienced flood-related damage should report it to the Dickenson County Administration Office at 276-926-1676.
- Farmers and agricultural property owners who sustained damage — including livestock loss, property damage or fence destruction — should report it to Dickenson County extension agent Brad Mullins at wmullins@vt.edu or call 276-926-4605.
How to make monetary donations
United Way of SWVA:
Online: Donate Here (Include “Dickenson County” in the memo)
Mail a check: United Way of SWVA, P.O. Box 644, Abingdon, VA 24212 (Memo: “Winter Storm Flooding – Dickenson County”)
Cumberland Mountain Mutual Aid
PayPal: cumberlandmountainmutualaid@12mavisgmail-comVenmo: @CMMAID
Cash App: $CMMUTUALAID