Dallas, TX (September 13, 2011) – “Right on Time Army”, said a grateful volunteer after receiving an ice cold drink from the Salvation Army while sorting clothes in the blazing 100-plus degree heat outside a local church.
This scene was repeated several times on Sunday and Monday across Bastrop County. Roving Salvation Army mobile feeding units stopped to deliver cold drinks and snacks to survivors now able to survey the damage to their property, and to volunteers and responders doing everything possible to help.
Major David Hodge, a Salvation Army Officer from San Antonio, explained, “We pulled up to a car lot where there was a group of 40 to 50 people sorting through donations. As I spoke to these people I noticed that several of their faces were flushed and some seemed confused when I asked them simple questions.” Major Hodge continued, “I was able to locate a nurse who agreed that many of these people were in danger from the extreme heat. Together we encouraged them to rest in the shade for a few moments, while Salvation Army staff gave them a refreshing cold drink.”
Four Salvation Army mobile feeding units continue to cover areas that have been devastated by wildfires, providing assistance to affected individuals and families. On Monday, Salvation Army staff served 3150 drinks, 485 snacks, and 498 meals. In addition to the basic physical needs of survivors, Salvation Army teams will again visit areas that have recently been reopened to residents, offering spiritual and emotional counseling, Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Austin Salvation Army staff are working to confirm the final details of the collection and distribution site for the KXAN, Walmart, and Salvation Army donation campaign, “Neighbors Helping Neighbors.” Volunteers are needed to help unload and sort donations in preparation for distribution to wildfire survivors. Thanks to the overwhelming response from Austin residents, The Salvation Army is no longer collecting in-kind donations at this time. Monetary gifts are requested in support of the wildfire survivors.
Monetary donations to support The Salvation Army Texas Wildfire Relief can be made by:
· MAIL – please send checks to The Salvation Army, PO Box 36607, Dallas, TX 75235
· PHONE at 1-800-SAL-ARMY
· ONLINE at www.salvationarmytexas.org
In closing, Major Hodge added, “I have seen how grateful the firefighters have been, I’ve seen the gratitude of survivors and I’ve seen the sincere passion to help others, no matter what. I would like to thank The Salvation Army staff and volunteers who have worked so hard, not only today, but during the last week. Today, despite the draining temperatures and unforgiving conditions, I saw The Salvation Army at its very best!”
For more information about The Salvation Army’s disaster response effort, please go to www.Facebook.com/SalvationArmyTexas, www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org, or www.salvationarmytexas.org.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar spent is used to carry out those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.
About The Salvation Army