North Star Child Advocacy Center receives $10K contribution
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PARKERSBURG -- A former teacher has donated $10,000 to the North Star Child Advocacy Center in Parkersburg.
"What I learned from being a child during the depression is that helping when you have the physical and financial means is one of life's greatest blessings," Wes Bargeloh of Parkersburg said.
Bargeloh taught at the high school and college level.
Greg Collins, executive director of North Star, was surprised upon learning of the $10,000 contribution.
"I was out of town hunting and assistant director Julie Nutter began texting me saying she needed to tell me something and couldn't contain herself," Collins said. "When she told me about the donation from Mr. Bargeloh, I nearly fell out of the tree I was in! I couldn't believe it."
Bargeloh became familiar with North Star in March 2023 after seeing a television commercial.
"I did recall having heard of the Children's Listening Place in conversations with others," Bargeloh said.
The commercial prompted Bargeloh to visit the center on Star Avenue and that inspired him further to provide financial support.
"What I learned upon visiting educated me as to their methods of operation," Bargeloh said. "Their attention to caring for their young client's personal welfare, from physical needs, medical care, emotional needs, and counseling, allowing the kids to recover from the trauma that they had experienced was all amazing. I was impressed with the professional employees and their dedication to the needs of their children and caregivers."
Bargeloh said his background did not expose him to the level of trauma that North Star encounters. His two daughters have worked in elementary and secondary education for a combined 60 years and his wife worked in elementary education for more than 20.
"They have spoken to me many times about the need for the type of service North Star provides," he said.
Bargeloh has visited the center many times since his first visit, Collins said. He helped during the Holiday Open House, during North Star Night Out by bringing several friends to learn about the program and he makes time to tell the staff they are doing a great job, Collins said.
"He is a blue-collar man that's genuine and kind," Collins said. "A child who grew up on a dairy farm in Mineral Wells during some of the toughest times this country has ever seen. He was a popular college instructor to many students in the region. He is the kind of person who is always learning and analyzing. He saw us, he learned more about us, and he soon became a supporter of North Star."
Bargeloh said he was fortunate to grow up in a home that made helping the less fortunate a high priority during the Depression years.
"On several occasions, it involved taking in those who had very little to survive on," he said. "I would encourage everyone to support any organization of your choosing. I found North Star Child Advocacy Center to be a very worthy organization."
North Star performed 604 forensic interviews in 2023 and led 20 other child advocacy centers in West Virginia. Last year was the fourth consecutive year it has exceeded 600 interviews.