School officials have worked through the path of destruction after Hurricane Helene to maintain some normalcy in Washington County, Virginia, said Superintendent Keith Perrigan.
"Our school division has come together to support not only the Damascus community but other communities in Washington County that have been affected," Perrigan said during last week's School Board meeting.
School officials were the first to provide supplies to the people of Green Cove, Konnarock and White top following the storm, said Washington County school board member Debbie Anderson.
Fortunately Damascus Middle School, Rhea Valley Elementary and nearby Holston High School, which serve the town, are located outside the greater downtown area where much of the flooding occurred.
Anderson represents the greater Damascus area, where much of the storm damage took place.
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So far, 28 truck loads of supplies have been taken to the Konnarock, Taylor's Valley and Green Cove communities including batteries, pet food, water, canned goods, flashlights and other supplies, Perrigan said.
"There are few homes that you can go to in this area where the access was easy," Perrigan said.
Donations were collected at John Battle, Abingdon and Patrick Henry High Schools for the people hurt by the storm, Perrigan said.
"They were all in for helping the Damascus community," he said.
Nearly the entire gym at John S. Battle High school was full of donations, Perrigan said.
"Abingdon High School took a whole trailer load of supplies," Perrigan added.
Glade Spring Middle School also served 250 meals to community members who had lost power, Perrigan reported.
More food was served at Meadowview and Greendale elementary schools, he added.
"The operational team, they have been rock stars," Perrigan said.
A Washington County Disaster relief fund has been set up for families in the Damascus area, Perrigan said.
To donate, visit the school system's Website or its social media page.
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