Salvation Army Helps Neighbor Help Neighbors

CHARLESTON, WV (June 29, 2016): On June 28, disaster relief personnel informed The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) team that Newton residents on Grannies Creek Road were in desperate need of emergency support. Raging flood waters destroyed the main road and bridges surrounding this community, making it almost impossible to provide aid for the 100 individuals that were left without food, water, and electricity on Grannies Creek Road.

With limited pathways available, The Salvation Army EDS team was available to deliver food to those in need by utilizing Newton resident Wilbert’s pick-up truck. Wilbert, who lost everything but one box of valuables in the flood, utilized his vehicle to deliver the goods for his neighbors. The Salvation Army EDS team loaded Wilbert’s truck with enough bread, meat, fruit, and fresh produce to provide each individual with two full meals. The Salvation Army EDS team also provided the flood victims with drinks, plates, and silverware.

Due to the severity of the flood damage on Grannies Creek Road, Salvation Army EDS will revisit Newton, WV to provide more essential goods for those in need.

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).