PRESS RELEASE
Salvation Army Receives $10 Million
Lilly Endowment for Hurricane Relief
September 29, 2008 – Last week The Salvation Army received a $10 million gift from the Lilly Endowment, Inc., to assist with ongoing relief efforts after hurricanes affected large segments of the Gulf Coast and Midwest with tidal damage, wind and flooding. This is the largest single gift to The Salvation Army during this year’s hurricane season and equals the amount Lilly donated to The Salvation Army after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
“Lilly Endowment traditionally has been one of The Salvation Army’s most important funders and has demonstrated time and again its willingness to help us place resources at the point of greatest need,” said Commissioner Israel L. Gaither, national commander of The Salvation Army.
During this hurricane season, the Army has responded to five storms. In the wake of Hurricane Ike, The Salvation Army mobilized its largest disaster response since Katrina, deploying over 100 mobile feeding units (canteens), six mobile kitchens, satellite communications equipment and other resources, including thousands of officers, staff and volunteers. To date, The Salvation Army has served over 1.8 million meals to first responders and storm-affected residents over 22,000 square miles.
Lilly Endowment President N. Clay Robbins commented, “The Endowment began supporting the disaster relief efforts of The Salvation Army nearly 60 years ago, and they have consistently used our funding to maximum effect. The damage and myriad hardships caused by the 2008 hurricanes are daunting and compelling, and we are pleased to be able to support The Salvation Army’s humanitarian work.”
Fresh Salvation Army emergency disaster services (EDS) personnel have arrived to provide relief to weary EDS teams. It’s anticipated that some of the hardest-hit areas will need continued feeding during the transition from emergency to long-term services. Clean-up kits, food boxes, first-aid and hygiene kits, plus clean socks and underwear, are also available. The Salvation Army has secured warehouse space in Texas City, Beaumont and Houston and is exploring working with Feeding America to assemble some 35,000 food boxes for distribution.
Additional Salvation Army emotional and spiritual care (ESC) teams are being deployed, some coming from The Salvation Army in Canada and Mexico. ESC personnel have been on the scene, offering comfort to residents and emergency workers, since day one of the disaster.
The Salvation Army serves in more than 100 countries and provides both immediate emergency assistance and long-term recovery help in the event of any disaster. Funds for The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services come from corporate and private donations given specifically for disaster relief. To volunteer with The Salvation Army or to make a credit card donation, call 651-746-3400 or 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Checks made out to The Salvation Army may be sent to 2445 Prior Ave., Roseville, MN 55113. Click below to make an online donation.
