Earlier this fall, torrential rains led to floodwaters and mudslides that avalanched down mountain slopes, wreaking total destruction in the Buchanan County town of Hurley, Virginia. The surge wiped out roads and bridges and crashed into houses, leaving families homeless in a matter of minutes.
“It was just heartbreaking,” said Ashley White, lab services manager at Russell County Hospital. “Nobody hesitated to help; team members in our department are just very giving people and are always doing something to help out those in our community.”
At first, the community requested cleaning supplies, so the team members collected money and had plans to purchase supplies to donate. Volunteers responded so quickly that soon there were more supplies than needed.
“We were trying to think of another way to help,” Ashley said. “We heard that some families were staying in a hotel. So we called the hotel and asked if they would identify the family with the most critical need and let us pay for their room.”
Money collected from the team members covered the hotel stay of a family with a 9-year-old and a 3-year-old. Ashley said they don’t know what happened to the family, or even if they know who paid for their room. “We just knew they needed help and we were glad to do it.”
Looking for ways to give back to the community is “normal” for the team members in this department, she explained. As a group, they always participate in United Way giving, and donate for and pack backpacks for kids at the start of each school year.
“We also take on about four ‘star’ children – which is like the Salvation Army’s Angel tree – and provide everything the kids need and some items on their wish lists for Christmas,” Ashley said. “Helping the family during the Hurley flood wasn’t unique – it’s just what we do. We do a lot of community work and give back when we can.”
Do you know a Ballad Health team member whose actions or talents inspire you? Or, maybe you’ve witnessed acts of compassion worth noting or something that made you smile? Share your story here.
