Brownton Helping Hands Have A Busy Season

By Marija Ilic

Six years ago, a group of citizens in Brownton area got together and formed Helping Hands, 501c3 organization aimed to improve the lives of residents in the area. Following the closure of elementary school in the area, there was a hole left in a way of activities and events, especially for children and young people, and several people stepped up to fill this hole.

The operations are run out of Brownton Community Center, which has now turned into hub of various activities throughout the year. Helping Hands have been instrumental in building a playground, but also holding events where residents can enjoy free music and free food. Food pantry was also established in the partnership with Mountaineer Food Bank – an essential service in economically depressed part of the county that does not even have a grocery store, and where residents have to travel distances to acquire food and basic necessities. In addition to food pantry, Helping Hands have also established community garden – throughout the year, the residents help plant and weed, and all the produce is free for the community.

Among the activities during the year, the most popular seem to be Mom Prom for Mother’s Day, Brownton Jubilee that is held in August, Easter egg hunt, and several Christmas events, including this year’s Santa’s Helping Hands. On December 20, residents of the community will be able to enjoy the light show, hot cocoa, and live music. Santa and Grinch will also make an appearance, and there will be Santa’s shop, where kids would be able to pick the gifts to give to their families on Christmas. The event is slated for 6 p.m.

One of the projects planned for 2025 is establishment of community library for kids that cannot make it to Philippi Public Library. The spokesperson for the Helping Hands mentioned that Philippi Library has been very helpful, even bringing mobile library to the Community Center, and that building a mini-library on site that already features events like story time and craft time would be extremely beneficial for the children in the area.

Helping Hands work year round on tirelessly fundraising and depending on volunteers in order to make all the events free to the community that serves people from Brownton, but also Philippi and Taylor County. They also run a thrift store on 104 Doctor’s Drive in Bridgeport, but are looking to move into the county, if appropriate space can be secured.

For more information about Helping Hands activities, visit their Facebook page.