Why McDowell County needs our help with food, clothing and basic supplies.

During one of our BYBM meetings, I mentioned to one of our directors, Julie O'Brien that we should do an act of kindness in West Virginia. Before I could finish my sentence, she said McDowell County, and that it was the poorest county in America. She suggested that we do something to help them out. I looked up the county on the internet and realized that the people there are suffering due to the loss of coal jobs and two major floods in the early 2000s. We decided that the best method would be to get in touch with a local priest in the county and get some guidance from them on how we can assist. After calling many churches, I finally got in touch with Father Tony a pastor in a church in Welch, McDowell County.

I made a plan to drive up there and meet him. I also loaded a truck full of food as the church held a food drive every few weeks to distribute food and clothes to those in need around the area.

BYBM is based in Loudoun County, the wealthiest county in the USA about a five and a half hour drive from Welch. After a few lengthy conversations, Father Tony invited me to come and stay with him at the church. I departed on Monday, 11th March to head out to McDowell County. I wanted to speak to the locals and to learn firsthand what they were going through and what help would benefit them the most. I planned to spend a night at the church and return the next day. Here is my experience with the wonderful people of Welch. You can hear in their own words about the challenges they are facing and what help they need.

The people of McDowell county are in urgent need of food, clothing and daily necessities. Best You Best Me is conducting a food drive where will fill a truck in Loudoun County and drive it to McDowell county on June 9, 2019. Visit https://www.bestyoubestme.org/project... to find out how you can help out.

View our other projects https://www.bestyoubestme.org/projects/

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