PRESS RELEASE
Salvation Army Serves Storm Survivors in the South
May 14, 2008 –The Salvation Army continues to help communities affected by Saturday’s deadly round of tornadoes and severe storms with strong winds and heavy rains in Arkansas and Oklahoma.
A deadly tornado tore apart Stuttgart, Ark., leaving a seven-block wide, two-mile long path of destruction in its wake. More than 50 businesses were destroyed and up to 200 homes destroyed or damaged. A Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) command was established with Salvation Army officers (pastors) and EDS volunteers from throughout Arkansas and Oklahoma.
Five Salvation Army mobile feeding units (canteens) are on site serving meals to survivors and emergency workers. Ninety percent (90%) of the area is without electricity; power may not be restored until the end of the week. More than 6,600 meals, 4,200 snacks, and 5,300 drinks were served within a 24-hour period. It’s anticipated feeding operations will continue throughout the week; food boxes will be distributed. Highly-trained Salvation Army emotional and spiritual care (ESC) personnel are also on site to support survivors and emergency workers involved in recovery efforts.
In Ottawa County, The Salvation Army set up a feeding site in tornado-ravaged Picher, Okla., where a 20-square block area was leveled, destroying 114 homes and damaging 53. Six people were confirmed dead; a seventh died during recovery efforts. In one day, more than 690 meals, 1,100 drinks, and 875 snacks were distributed to survivors and emergency workers. They sought not only food but a friendly face, a hug or someone with whom they could share their stories; 37 ESC sessions were held.
John Soos, a Salvation Army volunteer and former Oklahoma City deputy fire chief, said, “Every time I work with The Salvation Army, I see miracles happen. The work the Army does is truly a service to everyone affected by the disaster.”
The Salvation Army is participating in daily meetings with both local and state officials as well as participating in two news briefings a day. As the logistics coordinator, The Salvation Army serves as a resource center for agencies to distribute services. With the help of the Cherokee Nation for transportation, pallets of tarps, bottled water, sports drinks and personal hygiene kits were distributed to those in need.
The Salvation Army also responded to tornadoes affecting mostly rural Pittsburg County in southwest Oklahoma, where the towns of Bache, Haywood and Yanush were hit. Salvation Army canteens served meals and drinks to residents and emergency workers. Although a dozen or so homes were destroyed, Salvation Army Captain Rick Swartz reported, “It is truly a blessing the storm affected so few people. If the area had been heavily populated, it would have been a horrific event.”
To volunteer with The Salvation Army or to make a credit card donation, call 651-746-3400 or 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Checks earmarked “Disaster Relief,” can be made out to The Salvation Army and sent to 2445 Prior Ave., Roseville, MN 55113. Click below to make an online donation.
