Wreckage Is "What We Make Of It"

May 09, 2011
Melody Paton | melody_paton@uss.salvationarmy.org

Birmingham, AL - May 9, 2011- Marian Loft walked into The Salvation Army distribution warehouse in Birmingham this afternoon with nothing. Like so many others, Marian lost all of her possessions in the tornado that hit the Birmingham area on Wednesday, April 27, 2011. Her house suffered a direct hit leaving behind splintered pieces of what was once a happy home. Marian, thrown 50 yards from her house, was lucky to be alive.

“It was the most terrifying thing I’ve ever witnessed,” Marian said.

Marian was taken in by family members, who she has been staying with since the tornado hit. She heard about The Salvation Army’s relief efforts from friends who were helped by The Salvation Army in the days after the tornado.

Walking through the aisles of donated food, water, cleaning supplies, clothing, toys and pet supplies, Marian faced the unthinkable challenge of deciding what items she needed most in order to start her life again from scratch.

Marian said she has always loved The Salvation Army and was thankful for the help she received. She plans to let everyone know that The Salvation Army is offering help to those who are in need.

Of her lost possessions and home, Marian said, “Wreckage in life is what we make of it. It can either kill you or teach you to overcome something tough.”

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 30 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit www.SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.

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The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
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