Notre Dame, St. Mary’s Rally to Help Flood-Damaged St. Patrick School in Weston
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — As Central West Virginia begins recovering from devastating flash flooding that damaged homes, businesses, roads, churches and schools, two Catholic schools in Clarksburg are mobilizing support for students and families in neighboring Lewis County.
The flooding that swept through the region Tuesday night caused especially significant destruction in Lewis and Upshur counties. The governor’s office confirmed Thursday that two people died as a result of the flooding in Upshur County. The victims’ identities had not yet been publicly released.
As much as seven inches of rain fell in some areas, with floodwaters surrounding homes, sweeping across roads and filling businesses. Dozens of people were rescued from submerged vehicles, while portions of Interstate 79 and numerous local roads were temporarily closed. Weston and Buckhannon were among the communities reporting extensive damage.
Among the buildings damaged in Weston was St. Patrick School, where floodwater completely submerged the school’s basement just weeks before students are expected to return for a new academic year.
In response, Notre Dame High School and St. Mary’s School in Clarksburg have launched a fundraising effort to help the school recover.
“Together, we can help our friends and stand with St. Patrick’s School,” Notre Dame said in announcing the campaign.
According to Notre Dame, 100% of the proceeds raised through the campaign will go directly to St. Patrick School to replace supplies, recover from flood-related losses and help ensure students can begin the school year as planned.
The overall community fundraising goal is $40,000. Notre Dame has also issued a special challenge to its families, alumni and supporters to raise $5,000 within five days.
The fundraiser comes as the full extent of the damage at St. Patrick School continues to become clearer.
After the remaining water was pumped from the basement, school officials said the destruction was worse than initially anticipated. Staff members, parents, parishioners, alumni and volunteers spent the second day of recovery removing damaged materials and belongings from six of the basement’s seven rooms.
Work was expected to continue in the final room as the school begins determining what was lost and what will have to be replaced.
St. Patrick School thanked the volunteers and community members who have already provided prayers, donations and assistance during the early stages of the cleanup.
Notre Dame and St. Mary’s are now asking the Clarksburg Catholic school community to extend that support across county lines as another school family works to rebuild.
“Every gift, large or small, makes a difference,” Notre Dame said.
Donations can be made through the “Stand with St. Patrick’s School” fundraiser shared by Notre Dame High School. Supporters may also contribute directly through the donation page on the St. Patrick School website.
