Club spearheads drive, delivers items to help flood-ravaged areas

The Ararat Ruritan Club spearheaded a drive to help the victims of the flood in Pound, Virginia and localities to the west in Kentucky.

Pound is located in Wise County and has a population of about 1,000 people. 

“The community support from Patrick County was overwhelming,” said club Treasurer Kevin Smith.  

When Smith first learned of the flooding, he contacted areas impacted and was soon put in touch with the Mayor of Pound, Virginia. 

Pound’s Vice Mayor Lea Kennedy gave Smith a list of requested items to help the town’s flood victims. Once the list was published in the local media outlets, the donations began to pour into the Ararat Ruritan Club building.

Smith said he figured enough items would be collected that may require transport via his pickup truck. That goal was surpassed, and a 4′ x 8′ cargo trailer was rented to pull behind a full-sized pickup truck, in which the bed was completely filled with bottled water. The trailer housed cleaning supplies, personal hygiene items and non-perishable food items.

“It was a long week, which commenced with the 12-hour day of delivering the goods, but it was very rewarding.”  Smith said, “The officials in Pound, Virginia were appreciative and so is the Ararat Ruritan Club. Thanks to everyone who supported this project.”