• Cindy Fuller

The Salvation Army Continues Emergency Disaster Response Efforts in Oklahoma

Oklahoma City, OK - The Arkansas-Oklahoma Division of The Salvation Army continued to respond in Tushka while other sites of service came to a close on Saturday morning.  The following is a brief summary on each site:

Tushka, Oklahoma– The Salvation Army of Ardmore continued around the clock response in Tushka after a deadly tornado.  24 hour service is expected to end by Sunday evening.  Over 1,000 sandwiches, 508 meals, close to 1,500 snacks, and dozens of cases of Gatorade and Water were provided.

Although the mobile feeding unit remained in a fixed site today, vans took sack lunches and cases of drinks through many of the neighborhoods to serve those trying to salvage their possessions.  While out, Major Linda Daniel and other volunteers visited with victims and listened to their personal survival stories.   Emotional and spiritual care was a big part of the service provided by The Salvation Army today in Tushka.

The Tulsa Area Command’s mobile feeding unit arrived on Saturday afternoon with an officer and crew member to relieve Ardmore team members.  The Ardmore canteen is returning to Ardmore to be cleaned, restocked and ready to mobilize again should the need arise.  However, an Ardmore crew will be back on site on Sunday morning.

Lawton, Oklahoma – The Lawton mobile feeding unit completed service at a large wildfire at 1:00 AM this morning.   Close to 500 meals were served along with hydration and snacks to those responding to the fire.

CarterCounty, Oklahoma- The Salvation Army of Ardmore completed service at a large wildfire around Midnight last night.   Two volunteers served for approximately six hours. 

Cement, Oklahoma– Lt. James Biddix of Chickasha, Oklahoma reports Emergency Management released their crew at approximately 1:00 AM as the wildfire became contained and the winds died down this morning. 

Wildfire chances increase again on Sunday with high winds and the continued dry weather.   Mobile Feeding units and crews are on stand-by should the need arise to dispatch.

Financial donations are needed to support disaster relief efforts.  The Salvation Army asks those who want to help to visit www.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY and designate AOK Division April Storms.  Monetary donations will ensure The Salvation Army can meet the most immediate needs of those impacted by disaster.  Donations can also be mailed to:  The Salvation Army, PO Box 12600, Oklahoma City, OK  73157.

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.