Released 6 May 2008
THE SALVATION ARMY RESPONDS TO TORNADOES IN ARKANSAS
Oklahoma City, OK - The Arkansas-Oklahoma Division of The Salvation Army continues to serve communities in Arkansas affected by May 2 tornadoes.
In Damascus, The Salvation Army is working with the Woodmen of the Word and the First Baptist Church on Highway 65. One Hundred and Seventeen meals were served on Friday evening. Activity in the area increased on Saturday as people began the tough task of cleaning up and searching for personal items. Just down the highway, a church where a new sanctuary was being built was completely destroyed. The congregation was out in mass looking awestruck. This is the second tornado to hit the church in the past few years.
In Greer's Ferry, mobile units began feeding late Friday evening and worked most of the night ensuring first responders had a warm cup of coffee and snacks for energy. The Bud Creek Church Camp was assisting with preparation of food as they were just 10 minutes away from the fixed feeding site in town.
In Polaski County, a mobile feeding unit from El Dorado, AR worked between the Central Command Post located at the Fire Department in Hensley and the Cornerstone Fellowship Church.
In Grant County, the Pine Bluff mobile feeding unit served meals to recovery workers and disaster victims south of Sheridan, AR.
As of the end of May 2, The Salvation Army served 740 meals, 930 snacks, 481 drinks and prayed with three individuals. At this time, The Salvation Army is meeting the most basic need of the victims and relief workers, keeping them fed and hydrated as well as offering spiritual care.