Written by Bornain Chiu
Translated by Ariel Tsai
Edited by Ariel Tsai
On July 20, 2025, Tzu Chi held a disaster relief distribution in Triadelphia, WV, an area hit by heavy flooding. A total of 28 volunteers participated, distributing cash cards and disaster relief supplies to 128 families, listening to the survivors’ stories, and conveying care.
On June 14, 2025, heavy rains caused sudden floods in northern West Virginia, claiming the lives of at least nine people, including a three-year-old child. In the early morning of June 28, Tzu Chi USA Columbus Service Center volunteers set out to the disaster area in Ohio County, WV, for a field survey, contacted the Red Cross to obtain a list, and then actively began preparations for the distribution.
Volunteers Go to Flood-Hit Areas
On the morning of July 20, volunteers from the Midwest Region’s Cleveland, Columbus, and Dayton Service Centers in Ohio set out from their respective locations to Triadelphia to start the distribution mission.
Before 9 a.m., the volunteers arrived at the distribution site one after another. Sharon Kesselring, Executive Director of the Ohio Valley Chapter of the Red Cross, Krista Farley Raines, Regional Communications Director for the Central Appalachia Region, and Triadelphia Mayor Thomas Allietta were on site to welcome the volunteers, accompany them on a tour of the site, and introduce the equipment.
The volunteers immediately planned the route and moved the materials to the venue. The Red Cross partners also joined in to assist with the setup. Everyone worked together to complete the venue setup and complete the rehearsal before 9:30 a.m. Before the event started, Tzu Chi USA Columbus Service Center volunteer Li Dehong conveyed a loving reminder to all volunteers. The Red Cross volunteers also gave a speech to thank Tzu Chi for its selfless contribution and presented each volunteer with a Red Cross badge.
The Red Cross Praised Tzu Chi Volunteers
Sharon Kesselring, Executive Director of the Ohio Valley Red Cross, thanked Tzu Chi for coming: “I cannot express in words how grateful we are to you – you are willing to come from afar to help our residents. This is very touching.”
“The mission of the American Red Cross is to alleviate suffering in times of emergency by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the love of donors,” she said. “We work closely with our partners, which is why today’s collaboration is so important to us. Thank you for your love and help for so many people today. Thank you so much!”
Our residents have been through so much pain over the past few weeks, and they appreciate every bit of support right now. What you are doing is truly bringing hope and change to their lives.
Krista Farley Raines, Regional Communications Director for the Central Appalachian Region, still has the bamboo bank that Tzu Chi volunteers gave her during a 2016 disaster relief distribution. At that time, Tzu Chi Mid-Atlantic Region, together with 132 volunteers from the Midwest and Greater Washington DC Regions, worked with the Red Cross to distribute cash cards to the survivors in the hard-hit towns of Elkview and Rainelle, helping 828 households.
Krista said fondly, “I still remember that you came to Elkview to help us in 2016, and I was there at that time. Your actions were very inspiring, and I still remember that experience. I even still have the bamboo bank you gave me at that time, filled with change, on my desk—from 2016 to now. Thank you so much. Your dedication and partnership with us are so touching. I believe our residents will be very grateful for all the help you provide.”
Prayer Video and Sign Language Convey Hope
The distribution was originally scheduled to start at 11 a.m., but due to the early arrival of the survivors, the volunteers adjusted flexibly and started the distribution process at 10:30 a.m.
Li Dehong introduced Tzu Chi to the survivors and shared about the Midwest Region’s relief distribution to 400 tornado survivors in St. Louis and the assistance provided to the survivors in London, Kentucky, last month.
Volunteers played the film “Half a Century of Vows” to introduce the origin and spirit of Tzu Chi. Everyone watched attentively and was deeply moved. Chen Jiaqi, deputy director of the Columbus Service Center, expressed care on behalf of all volunteers. The Red Cross representative also introduced Tzu Chi to the survivors and expressed gratitude.
Tzu Chi Collegiate Association volunteer Edison respectfully read Master Cheng Yen’s blessing letter, conveying Master Cheng Yen’s concern and blessings to the survivors. The atmosphere at the scene was warm.
Volunteers introduced the production process of Tzu Chi’s eco-friendly blankets and the significance of recycling to the survivors. They also explained how to use the cash card. Li Dehong also introduced the spirit of Tzu Chi’s bamboo bank, encouraging everyone to gather small kindnesses into great love.
Inspired by the sign language of “One Family,” the survivors followed suit and made signs to convey the sentiment that “We are one family.” Finally, the video “Love and Care” was played, and everyone prayed sincerely. Many people were moved to tears and prayed for the early reconstruction of the disaster area.
The Mayor Commended Tzu Chi for Its Quick Action
During the distribution process, volunteers reminded the survivors to prepare their documents for faster review and listened patiently to their voices. Some survivors shared their losses and traumas through mobile phone videos, and volunteers comforted and hugged them, realizing the profound meaning of “seeing suffering and knowing happiness”.
Through the care and blessings of Tzu Chi, the light of hope was rekindled in the eyes of the disaster survivors. Sharon from the Red Cross expressed her gratitude again. Triadelphia Mayor Thomas Arrieta also gave a speech at the end of the distribution: “I sincerely thank Tzu Chi for coming to our town today, allowing the residents here to feel the warmth and care of the world.”
We have a town that has nearly 80% damage, so every bit of help is important to us. And your presence here today really helps, and I appreciate it. Thank you, thank you.
The event ended successfully at 4:15 pm. The volunteers quickly cleaned up the venue and loaded the supplies. After taking a group photo, they set off on their way back.
This disaster relief also attracted the attention of local media, with two TV stations and a print media coming to conduct interviews. Tzu Chi volunteer Li Dehong introduced Tzu Chi’s mission and the purpose of the disaster relief operation to reporters.
Two Tzu Chi USA Scholarship recipients also personally participated in the distribution operation, putting what they learned into practice and sowing love and hope.
