Community Service

Information about the Project

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and recent economic losses for Southern West Virginia, the poverty in McDowell County is at an all-time high.

Dr. Donald Reed, head of McDowell County Commission on aging explained that many elderly individuals in the county have no family visit them. Many elderly and disabled in this area live alone with no local family, waking up to no presents on Christmas day.

As we know, the holidays are approaching. We are challenging fellow residents of West Virginia and our fellow peers to band together as Mountaineers to make their Christmas special.

So, what can you do? 

Donate to the Go Fund Me:

We are asking fellow Mountaineers for monetary donations to purchase small gifts for the elderly and disabled of McDowell County.

Please help this cause in any way you can, any amount helps to ensure that these wonderful folks won’t feel alone this Christmas.

More information about McDowell County Commission on Aging, Inc.: Established in 1973, the MCCOA functions as a multi-service, non-profit, community based program. Our purpose is to maintain and improve daily life for seniors, the disabled, and their caregivers through advocacy, education, promotion of wellness, and provision of support services.

Go Fund Me: http://gf.me/u/y8ahah 

Bit.ly: bit.ly/MCCOAdonate  

Write Letter to Elderly Individuals:

Another opportunity to contribute to the McDowell County Commission on Aging for the holiday season is to write letters to elderly individuals! In the holiday letters, please include information about who you are, where you’re from, what you’re doing in school, etc. They would love to hear from you!

Please address the letters to:

McDowell County Commission on Aging

725 Stewart Street

Welch, WV 24801

Make sure to clearly identify your name in your letter.

If you have additional questions about how to contribute, please contact Kristen Shaffer at kbs0032@mix.wvu.edu!