One of the various roles of this newspaper, and 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.

Over the past few days, we have all seen the images and heard about the tragedies where more than 20 lives have been lost due to the devastating storms in West Virginia. Some people have literally lost everything.

Beginning Monday, The Tribune will team up with River Cities Harvest in Ashland, Kentucky, which serves five agencies in Lawrence County, to help those in West Virginia who are facing a momentous uphill climb over the coming weeks.

From 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, and 8 a.m.- noon on Wednesday, we will be accepting donations at The Tribune office at 2903 S. Fifth St. in Ironton that will be sent to those communities that were impacted by the flooding and storm damage.

Items of need are bottled water; cleaning supplies; nonperishable food items; new or lightly worn men’s, women’s, children’s and baby clothing; men’s, women’s and children’s underwear and socks; diapers; toiletries; pet care products/food; washcloths and towels; hand sanitizer; baby wipes; first aid kits; garbage bags; cleaning supplies; rubber gloves; laundry detergent; flashlights; batteries; blankets and pillows; and feminine products.

We have seen over the years, when tragedy strikes, the Lawrence County community comes together. We must do the same to help our neighbors in the Mountain State. Any donation, no matter how big or small, can help make a difference.