The Salvation Army Responds to
Widespread Tornado Activity
Atlanta, GA- Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services
(EDS)
personnel continue to meet material, emotional, and spiritual needs
across the southern United States. Currently, EDS crews are at work in
Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Georgia, Virginia, Tennessee, and
Kentucky.
After five days of intense service, several locations are scaling
back response efforts while some locations hit particularly hard by the
storms are still in need of daily feeding and spiritual care.
Alabama/Mississippi- Currently, 40 Salvation Army ESD feeding units
and one shower trailer are actively serving in Mississippi and Alabama.
Over the last five days, tens of thousands of meals and drinks have
been distributed. On Friday and Saturday alone, EDS teams served 30,820
meals and 51,072 drinks. 1,314 people received emotional and spiritual
care so crucial to Salvation Army disaster response.
Arkansas- EDS personnel continue to monitor rising water levels which
have reached major flood stage in 9 counties. At present, one mobile
feeding unit is serving Randolph County. Approximately 5,000 meals have
been served since Monday.
Georgia- While operations are beginning to wind down, several units
are still serving the field. At the request of FEMA, a mobile feeding
unit will remain in Spalding County, as will a social service
representative in Harold County. Additionally, operations will continue
in Catoosa and Walker counties through the end of the week. Teams have
served 8,596 meals and 4,195 drinks in Spalding, 720 meals and 1,490
drinks in Rome, and 120 meals and 350 drinks in Cartersville.
Kentucky/Tennessee/Virginia - EDS operations will diminish in
Henderson, Murfreesboro and Clarksville, TN as local resources are once
again available for storm survivors. In Chattanooga and Cleveland, TN
as well as North Georgia, EDS crews are increasing their meal, beverage,
and emotional/spiritual care services to keep pace with the needs of
communities hit hard by the storms. A strong presence remains in
Dyersburg, TN, Greenville, TN, Washington County, VA, and Henderson, KY.
As of Sunday morning, 800 volunteers had logged 7,000 hours while
helping staff serve approximately 14,500 meals throughout the division.
The Salvation Army is grateful to the public for their continued support.
The best way to help tornado survivors and rescue workers is to make a
financial contribution. Monetary donations allow disaster responders to
immediately meet the specific needs of disaster survivors. The
Salvation Army asks those who want to help to visit
www.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769) and
designate their gift "April 2011 Tornado Outbreak." Checks may be made
out to:
The Salvation Army Disaster Relief
P.O. Box100339
Atlanta, GA 30384-0339
At this point, in-kind donations are not being accepted outside the
disaster area. Used clothing and used furniture are seldom required
during an incident. However, these gifts are vitally important in
supporting the day-to-day work of your local Salvation Army. Please
consider giving these items to your local Salvation Army Thrift Store or
dial 1-800-SA-TRUCK.