Virginia Tech students to help cleanup efforts in eastern Kentucky


BLACKSBURG, Va. – Come Friday, a team of Hokies will head to Letcher County, Kentucky to help with cleanup efforts following the deadly flooding in late July.

According to a press release, the students will spend time in the state “destroying homes, preparing meals, organizing supplies for the community and attending flood relief at an Appalachian Roots benefit concert.”

The group is led by Emily Satterwhite, associate professor in the Department of Religion and Culture, who also teaches the community health department.

“I want us to partner with people who know that we need help from our neighbors as climate change accelerates, not by giving a hand or charity,” Satterwhite said.

John Frazier is a junior at Virginia Tech and enrolled in Satterwhite’s class. When the opportunity presented itself, Frazier wanted to volunteer.

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“It’s so different to be there in person and see things for yourself … I think what I’m most looking forward to is connecting with the communities there,” Frazee said.

Satterwhite tells WSLS about 10 to 25 people can help. At the Appalachia Course by Daniel Christensen Folklore they bring along some quilts.

“Oh my gosh. Thank you so much to Dr. Daniel Christensen and the Department of Folk Cultures and Appalachia for taking the time to move so quickly and create something from scratch and we’re going to take it with us to comfort people in eastern Kentucky,” Satterwhite said.

Satterwhite herself has personal ties to the state of Kentucky.

“I grew up in Kentucky. I have close college friends from Letcher County where we go. I’m impressed with the people on the ground there,” Satterwhite said.

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Now she and her students are helping themselves. It relates to the universities motto Ut Prosim which means ‘that I may serve’.

“It’s not so much about, ‘Oh I feel good, I’m a great person,’ I think it should be seen more because it’s my responsibility to other human beings in my community,” Frazier said.

The Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets also joins the cause. Satterwhite arranged to transport 11 more volunteers, from CPR and first aid to disaster relief and construction.

With the trip just days away, the team is looking for additional funding to help support the additional goals of the Holler to Holler project. For more information on how to donate, visit the Appalachian Studies at Virginia Tech Facebook page.

Copyright 2022 by WSLS 10 – All Rights Reserved.



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