Want to feel good?

There's no better way than by helping someone else. And right now, more than a few of our fellow state residents could use a hand.

By now, most of us are aware of the floods that have ravaged Lewis, Braxton and Upshur counties.

Damage has been substantial. Earlier this week, emergency services directors from the counties presented assessments of damage to Gov. Cecil Underwood and John Pack, director of the state Office of Emergency Services.

In Lewis County, 32 primary homes were affected, including three with minor damage and three that were destroyed. In addition, 12 mobile homes had major damage. Also sustaining damage were the Walkersville Fire Department, a post office, one church, eight campers and five businesses, bridges and more. Road damage itself has been estimated at $225,000.

Upshur County saw about a dozen homes damaged by flood waters, along with several businesses and roadways. In Braxton County nine homes had been counted with major damage and 13 with minor damage. It's estimated about $100,000 damage was done to roads and bridges.

As bad as the damage is, however, all indications are that it is not large enough to qualify for federal assistance, according to Gov. Underwood.

We need to pick up the slack.

Damage estimates continue to climb, but that's nothing compared to what the human element is suffering. And there's no way to calculate that.

Our local Red Cross has launched a fund-raising drive to help. Contributions can be sent to the American Red Cross, 165 S. Oak St., Clarksburg, WV, 26301, or you can call 624-7689.

Think about it.

Today's editorial reflects the opinion of the Exponent editorial board, which is comprised of James G. Logue, Kevin S. Courtney, Patrick M. Martin, Matt Harvey, Nora Edinger and J. Cecil Jarvis.