PRESS RELEASE
The Salvation Army of MN, ND Descends on Cedar Rapids
Bleach collections continue in Twin Cities
ROSEVILLE, Minn. – June 20, 2008 – The Salvation Army of Minnesota and North Dakota is gearing up for long-term disaster relief in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where retreating flood waters have revealed a population 124,000 city steeped in sewage and destruction.
Currently, 15 Salvation Army staff and volunteers from Mankato, Albert Lea, Willmar and Fergus Falls are serving about 2,300 meals and nearly 7,000 hydration bottles a day via two mobile feeding units (canteens). Replacement crews from Minnesota and North Dakota will be deployed every 10 to 14 days.
Combined with the Iowa Salvation Army, the organization has used three stationary feeding sites and five canteens to serve meals and water to more than 47,000 people. Some of the food is being cooked by professional chefs from across the Midwest.
As clean-up efforts progress, Salvation Army caseworkers will offer financial assistance and help residents understand their government assistance options, insurance claims and more.
Meanwhile, Cedar Rapids residents need massive amounts of bleach to sanitize their homes and possessions. Twin Cities residents can donate bleach until Friday at these two locations:
● The Salvation Army Divisional Headquarters in Roseville, 2445 Prior Ave. N.
● AAA Burnsville, 600 W. Travelers Trail (frontage road at 35W and Burnsville Pkwy.)
The Salvation Army thanks the following organizations for their generous donations: UnitedHealth Group ($50,000), Fox 9 News viewers ($33,000), Home Depot of Elk River (pallets of bleach), Kiwanis Club of Anoka (bleach), and the 150 kids from Big Lake Elementary who started a bike-a-thon to benefit Salvation Army efforts in Iowa.
To learn about becoming a trained Salvation Army disaster services volunteer call 651-746-3400. One-hour information sessions will be given June 25 at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., with free trainings Aug. 2 and Aug. 19.
The Salvation Army is asking the public to help. To donate, please click the button below or mail a check to 2445 Prior Ave. N., Roseville, MN 55113.
