Each day, as an individual, our family, our careers or as a community, there is a good chance that we will face some type of challenge. Whether it is financial, health or a decision we have to make, adversity is something that doesn’t see color, gender or status.

That was the case within the past few weeks when storms rolled through the area and toward West Virginia. Those individuals, families and communities were faced with what many would consider the biggest challenge of their lives when the flood waters rose. In the aftermath, homes and businesses were destroyed, infrastructure was decimated and lives were lost.

As I read the reports, saw the images and videos, my heart sank for all of those who were affected. I wanted to become involved in whatever the newspaper could do to help in any way possible. In last Sunday’s edition, The Tribune’s editorial read “of the various roles of this newspaper, one of the most important is being a good partner within the communities we serve. While The Tribune’s main focus in terms of our coverage is on Lawrence County, the Tri-State is one large community. We are always there for one another in times of need, whether it is our family or neighbor right down the street, or our communities across the river”.

So we got involved with River Cities Harvest in Ashland, Kentucky, and I knew that our community would come together and help our neighbors across the river in West Virginia. We live in a special place where many would give you the shirt off their back or the last dollar in their pocket to help make someone’s day a little better.

But what we saw in about two and a half days was something much more than I ever expected. We planned to take the items in our cargo delivery van to River Cities Harvest on Wednesday afternoon, but by the end of the day Tuesday I quickly realized that because of the outpouring of so many individuals, businesses, churches and civic organizations, we would have to make other arrangements in order to get the donations delivered. In all, the donations filled a box truck from front to back and stood three to five feet high in some places.

I want to thank all those who brought clothes, cleaning supplies, cases of bottled water and gallon jugs, laundry detergent, soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes, and monetary donations.

I also want to thank Bob Cleary of BC Tool Rental in Ironton for donating the use of his box truck in order to get the donations delivered. Also, I want to thank all the other locations throughout the county who took donations for the flood victims.

What we were able to accomplish in a short amount of time will undoubtedly help in the process for all those affected.

I have always been proud to be a resident of Lawrence County, and being able to get involved and make that donation to those flood victims on behalf of our community was truly something special for all of us, and it is something we should all be proud of.