Salvation Army Mobilizes After Historic West Virginia Flooding

CHARLESTON, WV (June 25, 2016):  The Salvation Army is actively responding to historic flooding in West Virginia, which has left more than 20 dead, and others missing. Salvation Army officers and volunteers are currently working alongside other emergency agencies to provide food, water, and other services to flood victims and first responders. 

Two Salvation Army Canteens (mobile kitchens, about the size of a parcel delivery truck) and volunteer teams have deployed to Clendenin and Richwood, WV, to help with feeding and hydration for emergency responders and flood victims, and to distribute cleanup kits as needed.  

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the communities and victims affected by this unprecedented flooding, as well as the emergency personnel working in dangerous conditions to save and protect people," said Major Mark Craddock, Director of Emergency and Disaster Services for The Salvation Army's Maryland & West Virginia Division. "Our teams are prepared to providenourishment, cleanup assistance, and emotional care to those who are undoubtedly devastated by this tragicevent."

The flooding began Thursday when nine inches or more of rain fell on parts of West Virginia in six to eight hours.Forty-four counties, primarily in the southeastern part of the state, were under a state of emergency on Thursday night.

More Salvation Army canteens are expected to arrive in Charleston, WV, by Sunday evening, and will be deployed to serve in Rainelle and White Sulphur Springs in Greenbrier County and Nicholas County, providing feeding, fresh water, cleanup kits, counseling, emotional and spiritual care, and other critical services.

How people can help:
An appeal is being made for financial assistance to fund the flood relief work in West Virginia.  Those who wish to support The Salvation Army’s disaster response may do so by sending a check earmarked “June 2016 West Virginia Floods”  to their local Salvation Army office, online at http://tinyurl.com/zu6rn47, or by making a credit card donation at 1-800-SAL-ARMY.  Be sure to designate the donation for the “June 2016 West Virginia Floods.”

Although The Salvation Army is not requesting in-kind goods donations at this time, gifts of gently-used household goods, clothing, etc., are always needed by Salvation Army Family Stores to support their work in the local community. Find out more at SAtruck.org, or call 1-800-SA-TRUCK (1-800-728-7825).