You Made This Possible: A Detailed Look at Your Impact in West Virginia
- Chandra Thacker
- 56 minutes ago
- 4 min read
When you contribute to Y’all Squad, you’re not merely providing financial support—you’re sending invaluable hope, assistance, and healing to those in crisis. Over the past six weeks, your generosity has empowered us to execute some of our most urgent and effective missions, including consecutive deployments to Wheeling, West Virginia, following two catastrophic floods that struck the region within a mere 14 days.
Disaster Struck—Twice
On June 26, relentless storms unleashed over five inches of rain in less than an hour, resulting in flash floods that overwhelmed communities still grappling with the aftermath of a historic flood that had occurred just two weeks earlier. Families who were beginning to rebuild their lives found themselves facing devastation once again, forced to confront the harsh reality of starting over.
In response to this immediate need, your donations facilitated a swift mobilization of our Kentucky-based team. By the following morning, we were on our way to Barboursville, WV, where we procured nearly $15,000 worth of essential supplies specifically designed for flood recovery efforts.
What Your Support Delivered
The items we secured were not arbitrary; they were carefully selected tools that families specifically requested, needed, and utilized right away to address the destruction caused by the floods. Thanks to your support, we delivered:
Sump Pumps: Essential for removing excess water from homes and preventing further flooding.
Dehumidifiers: Crucial for reducing humidity and preventing mold growth in damp conditions.
Box Fans: Aid in air circulation to expedite the drying process in affected areas.
Push Brooms and Mops: Necessary for cleaning up mud and debris left in homes.
Contractor-Grade Trash Bags: Designed to withstand heavy use during the cleanup process.
Cleanup Gloves and Safety Gear: Protective equipment ensures that volunteers and families can safely handle hazardous materials.
Every item was distributed through our trusted local partners at WESBANCO Arena, ensuring a swift delivery directly into the hands of those who needed them most, all done with urgency and care.
Local Leaders, Real Results
Your contributions enabled us to build strong collaborations with key local leaders, including Wheeling City Manager Bill Lanham, Mayor Denny Magruder, and the dedicated team at Guntry. They transformed their business into a vital supply hub, facilitating the distribution of much-needed resources. These relationships allowed us to effectively reach neighborhoods, Triadelphia, Elm Grove, and Valley Grove—areas that were severely impacted by two floods in such a short span.
More Than Just a Drop-Off
We don’t just deliver supplies and leave. We listen, respond, and stay connected.
We heard from families who lost the only access to their homes. From parents trying to stay strong for their kids. From seniors battling fear, fatigue, and loss. These stories shaped every decision we made on the ground.
One of the most heartbreaking stories came from Brian Creighton, a Wheeling resident whose family endured unimaginable tragedy during the second wave of flooding. On the night of the storm, Brian’s wife, Donna, and their son, Travis, were swept away by the floodwaters while trying to hold onto each other. In a final act of bravery, Travis managed to save his mother, but lost his own life in the process.
We met Brian at the Comfort Suites in Wheeling, where he and Donna had temporarily relocated. Before the interview, our team visited the remains of their home to document the damage. Due to debris, military cleanup crews, and access restrictions, we weren’t able to film on-site, but we captured powerful footage of the surrounding devastation.
Thanks to your donations, we were able to provide Brian and Donna with $20,000 in direct financial assistance, giving them space to grieve, breathe, and begin the long road to healing. This was just one part of a much larger effort.
In total, your generosity has allowed us to contribute over $80,000 in direct aid across our last two deployments to Wheeling, providing emergency supplies, cleanup tools, and financial assistance directly to those affected. This impact is real, immediate, and deeply personal for the families we’ve served.
Stories like Brian’s remind us exactly why we show up—and why your support makes all the difference.
Every Dollar, Every Drop Counts
We operate with minimal overhead and maximum impact. Your generosity goes straight to work—fueling our trucks, filling our trailers, and allowing us to respond the moment disaster strikes.
This Isn’t the End—It’s the Start
The road to recovery is long, but we’re in it for the long haul. As the waters recede, we continue to walk alongside families and officials to identify needs and support rebuilding.
Thank you for your Support
We want you to know: this mission was yours too. Every donation you gave helped a real family clean out their flooded home. Every share and prayer helped us move faster. And every bit of support you showed reminded us why we do what we do.
We’re proud to be your boots on the ground. And when the next storm hits, we’ll be ready, because of you.
Want to help or know someone in need?
✅ Donate now: theyallsquad.org/donate 🐦 Follow us on X (Twitter): https://x.com/TheYallSquad 📺 Watch our latest updates on YouTube: @YallSquad 📋 Know someone affected by the flood?
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