Witnessing West Virginia

Our tagline boasts "Products that Inspire." But really, at the heart of our company, are people that inspire.

Yesterday, several of our employees joined our friends at Keller Williams Realty to deliver supplies to the flood victims in West Virginia. What they witnessed was life-changing.

What Becky saw

Once the supplies were unloaded, we traveled around the streets closest to the river.  The destruction and devastation was shocking. People were quietly working to carry out water and mud-soaked belongings — or what was left of them. They were still in shock, but at the same time, so thankful for the gallons of water we carried to them.  Over and over again, we heard "God Bless You" and "Where did you travel from?"

I asked a young mother if her two small boys were okay. She softly stated (so her boys could not hear), "We have to find a new home." She was fighting back tears. I could tell by the look on her face that she had lost everything.
 
In the center of town, an entire parking lot was filled with people preparing food, donations of food and supplies being dropped off. There was a  quietness in the air, as if no words needed to be spoken. 

What Sabrina saw

I don't have much money, but what I do have is time and strength. I went to West Virginia because Keller Williams gave us this great opportunity to help a community in need. I can't imagine how helpless they all must feel. It was a truly powerful experience that I was happy to be a part of. The most rewarding part of volunteering was going down each road to deliver water to those unable to get to the supply tents or check-points. They were all so truly thankful and stoic, despite the odds.

What Toni saw

Yesterday's trip to West Virginia was a very humbling experience for me. I thought of how we take things like running water and lights for granted. Those affected by the storm were so grateful to receive a gallon of water to wash away some of the devastation they had endured. I am truly changed by what I witnessed.

What Hank saw

I saw so many people with the look of hopelessness on their face, and yet they've bonded together to help one another. I never heard a cross word from anyone, only helping and caring. This really opened my eyes to what we all take for granted. My heart was filled with joy knowing I did something to help, if only for a few hours.