FAIRLEA W.Va. (WVDN) – A successful community meal and winter clothing giveaway took place on Jan. 29 at the West Virginia University building on the fairgrounds in Fairlea. The event, hosted by the Greenbrier County Health Alliance in partnership with the WVU Extension Family Nutrition Program, tries to provide vital support to residents during the frigid winter months.
The event kicked off at 4 p.m. with free hot meals for individuals and families. Many in the area experience financial difficulties, especially during the colder months when utility bills increase. The event provided aid to those struggling with food insecurity and gave away winter clothing to community members unable to afford warm coats, hats, gloves and other cold-weather gear.
Alongside the meal, attendees were able to pick up winter attire, benefitting many families in the community. The event was open to all community members, regardless of income, and organizers encouraged those in need to attend.
This event is part of an ongoing effort to address food insecurity and support community members struggling to find proper winter clothing. Greenbrier County is known for its harsh winter conditions, so the event aimed to ensure residents had the resources needed to stay warm. They even worked with the MTA to provide transportation for anyone who may have needed it.
Although this event has passed, winter clothing donations will continue to be accepted at various drop-off locations throughout Greenbrier County. Locations such as the Greenbrier County Courthouse, Lewisburg City Hall, and the Greenbrier County Public Library remain open for donations of gently used or new winter clothing.
Terri Baker, from the Center for Rural and Community Health and the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, stated, “The main goal is to help those that are unhoused to get the resources that they need; going through our program and completing the survey will get them automatically linked to HUD (Housing and Urban Development).”
Baker also emphasized the importance of maintaining a realistic number of unhoused individuals in the area, which is how they achieve funding for more humanitarian efforts. The number of people attending these events directly correlates with future funding.
Those in charge mentioned that while the event provides relief for some at the time, the need for community support will continue throughout the winter. Local efforts are critical in helping unhoused and low-income individuals weather the colder months, with hopes to build on this event for future initiatives. The event provided a judgment-free area to those struggling with food and housing insecurities.
For more information on how to access community resources, contact the Greenbrier County Health Alliance at 304-645-2080 or visit their website at www.greenbrierhealth.org.
