Greenbrier Co. orgs collect donations, raise funds for good causes at State Fair

FAIRLEA, WV (WVNS) – The State Fair of West Virginia partnered with Communities in Schools for a great cause.

Communities in Schools of Greenbrier County hosted a school supplies and hygiene items donation outside the front gates of the fairgrounds on Monday, August 12, 2024.

Executive Director of Communities in Schools of Greenbrier County, Brittany Masters said the need for school supplies is much greater than you may realize.

“A number of years ago statistics came out that teachers spend an average of $700 a year out of pocket to purchase school supplies for their classroom students,” explained Masters. “I imagine that is upwards of $900 to $1,000 at this point with inflation.”

A donation of either three school supplies or two hygiene items would get you into the fair for just eight dollars, and it got you a mega ride pass for just $25.

Another local organization is pitching in at the State Fair this year for a good cause as well.

The Maxwelton Ruritan Club may be from a small community, but they have a huge impact in Greenbrier County.

They have been serving up scoops of ice cream at the State Fair of West Virginia for nearly 70 years, and all the money they raise at the fair goes right back into serving the Greenbrier County community.

“We help our community,” explained Maxwelton Ruritan Club member Bob Hefner. “We put fire hydrants in our community, we give a lot of money to school organizations and things of that nature. We support the policemen and fire departments, things of that nature. We give out approximately $20,000 a year.”

The Ruritans help out the community by donating to causes like Project Graduation, Shop with a Cop, and lots of other great projects in Greenbrier County.

They are also competing in the Best New Fair Food contest this year with their brand new Orange Dreamsicle Milkshake!

You can find their ice cream stand right next to the livestock exhibits.

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