Dallas, TX (July 3, 2014) - The mission statement of The Salvation Army clearly states the organization’s commitment to “meet human needs in His name without discrimination.” This practical ministry of The Salvation Army is in operation as volunteers and staff work to provide emergency assistance to immigrants who have crossed the Texas border.
At the request of Border Patrol and several other public agencies, The Salvation Army is working closely with a number of VOAD partners (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster) to ensure that humanitarian needs are being addressed for unaccompanied children and families being cared for by the Department of Health and Human Services. Food, clean clothing, hygiene products, showers, and other services are being made available in the towns of Brownsville, Harlingen, McAllen, Laredo and El Paso, communities where The Salvation Army has historically served for decades.
It is estimated that up to 500 individuals are being served daily with the greatest concentration being in McAllen, Laredo and El Paso.
"The Salvation Army is working with both government and partner agencies to provide emergency support, basic necessities, and relief in South West Texas to immigrant children and families,” said Major Richard McConniel, Divisional Secretary of The Salvation Army, Texas Division. “All around the world people come to The Salvation Army at their times of greatest need for help. The dynamic crisis along our country’s border is yet another call for our staff and volunteers to live out our mission, to meet human needs in the name of Christ without discrimination.”
Donations supporting the work of The Salvation Army on the Texas border can be made by mailing a check to 6500 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75235, with the notation “Disaster – TX Border Assistance” or by credit card at https://donate.salvationarmyusa.org/uss/texas-border-assistance
The Salvation Army in Texas serves more than 919,500 people and families a year through its 84 local centers of operation. Daily it serves 9,612 hot meals and shelters 2,885 people. For more information please visit our website at www.salvationarmytexas.org or contact your local Salvation Army.
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 survivors, 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.