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"Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping."
Mr. Rogers may have been speaking encouragement to children when he taught us that, but its truth rings even clearer when Mid-Ohio Valley residents are forced to look -- and respond -- so often.
This week, communities across our region and deep into West Virginia needed help. Flash flooding, high winds, and something new for many of us: tornadoes.
That help arrived even before many families and communities were sure what they were going to need.
Sharon Kesselring, executive director of the Ohio Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross, said on Wednesday the organization's volunteers were already coordinating with counterparts across the region. Red Cross damage assessment teams headed to Doddridge and Pleasants counties after two confirmed tornadoes spawned in Washington County and ripped their way across the river and through the two counties.
In fact, Kesselring noted the disasters should serve as a sharp reminder to those still waffling about donating blood. The Mid-Ohio Valley was fortunate this time, with only minor injuries reported, but the human toll could have been MUCH worse -- and in fact, was, in Upshur County. You never know when or for whom YOU could make the difference in the wake of a disaster.
The West Virginia National Guard swung into action, the state Division of Natural Resources conducted more than 80 rescues in and around Upshur County, utility company workers scrambled to restore power (and in one case, water), and law enforcement agencies organized other kinds of assistance.
The Jackson County Sheriff's Office sent a team of deputies to Upshur and Lewis counties, and the department's office will serve as a drop-off point for those who want to contribute supplies and manpower. Wood County deputies are on their way, too.
"The Sheriff's Association has put together a response team, including those from Jackson County," Jackson County Sheriff Ross Mellinger said. "I'm gathering up a team now to send up, including myself, and we're going to take with us some supplies. Toiletries, water. The basic necessities of life that we all take for granted every day that these folks are no longer going to have for quite a while."
It's no surprise. We rise to the occasion for each other, here.
So yes, look for the helpers. In the Mid-Ohio Valley and across southeast Ohio and West Virginia, you never have to look very far.