MUSIC TO THEIR EARS — Staci Stephen, executive director of the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley, was happy to learn of $8,786 being donated to the charity for area flood victims, money that was collected during the intermissions at Historic Fort Steuben’s summer concert series. On hand for the presentation were, from left, Paul Zuros, the fort’s director; Stephen; and Mary Snyder, Zuros’ assistant. -- Warren Scott

STEUBENVILLE — After learning of the many devastated by floods in Ohio County, organizers of Historic Fort Steuben’s summer concert series decided to share part of donations received from attendees with a charity working to aid those still recovering from the disaster.

Paul Zuros, executive director of Historic Fort Steuben, noted that during the concerts’ intermissions, volunteers dubbed the fort’s “Bucket Brigade” usually collect donations used to defray miscellaneous costs related to the shows, such as rental of portable restrooms.

“This summer, however, the focus shifted to helping neighbors in need. When the devastating flooding struck Ohio County in June, Historic Fort Steuben officials decided to dedicate the remaining season’s collections to flood relief efforts,” said Zuros.

He said donations received during nine shows between June 19 and Aug. 7 have been donated to the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley, which has been working with other organizations to assist the many affected by flooding that occurred around June 14 in Wheeling, Triadelphia and other areas of Ohio County.

With a donation of $600 provided by Giving Ourselves Amazing Lives, a Weirton health and wellness group, the fort was able to present a total of $8,786 to the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley.

Staci Stephen, executive director of the regional charity, said with the support of 60 agencies, the organization has established a fund to aid the many who have lost homes or sustained heavy property damage from the flooding.

Stephen said she has pushed for no administrative fees to be taken out of the fund.

“Every penny will go to flood survivors,” she said.

Stephen said the organization has helped to find new living arrangements for 20 people left homeless by the floods and has helped some with deposits on new homes or their first month’s rent.

She said donations have been used to provide gift cards to flood victims for food and cleaning supplies and the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley now is helping with efforts to clean up and rebuild damaged homes.

Stephen said about $70,000 in equipment and supplies, from dehumidifiers to Squeegees, has been provided, while the organization is partnering with area businesses to provide furniture, cabinets, drywall and other materials to those working to rebuild their homes.

She said monetary donations and gift cards for hardware stores are welcomed, and information about donating can be found at www.unitedwayuov.org.

She added volunteers with building skills are sought to help with the effort and may call (304) 232-4624 ext. 1 to offer their expertise or assistance.

Stephen told leaders of Historic Fort Steuben, “We really appreciate it. We can’t thank you enough.”

Mayor Jerry Barilla, who heads the fort’s board of directors, said the generosity of the concertgoers is greatly appreciated but not unexpected.

“Any time there’s a disaster like that, people want to respond,” he said.