• Cynthia (Cindy) Fuller

Tornado Response Winds Down in Arkansas As Flooding Response Grows and Wildfires Begin In Oklahoma

Arkansas – The Salvation Army is of Arkansas-Oklahoma continues to be active in disaster response in various counties in Arkansas.  Although feeding service is winding down in Garland County, the meal and hydration service in Randolph County is growing.

Garland County:

Captain Ben Walters, Conway, and Captain David Robinson, completed the meal service in Garland County as of dinner on Saturday evening.  On Saturday, 225 meals, 425 snacks, and 219 drinks were provided.   Since early Tuesday morning, a total of 3,351 meals due to destruction and power outages from the tornado and storm system that came through Arkansas.  Additionally, 353 volunteer hours as well as time served by Officers and employees have been given to help those affected by the tornado.

Randolph County

The Black River is still nine feet above flood stages with more rain expected.   The Mountain Home mobile feeding unit is still on location; however, the crew is now from Fayetteville led by Captain Bobby Carr.   Since Thursday, 1,458 meals have been served and over 200 volunteer hours have been given to help in the effort

Jackson County

Lt. Russell Clay, Broken Arrow, OK Corps Officer, arrived in Newport on Saturday to serve lunch and dinner.  Approximately 160 meals were served to a shelter ran by American Red Cross.  As of yesterday evening, the shelter was at zero occupancy so the mobile feeding unit was released to go home.   If the rivers continue to rise and there is a need, the Tulsa mobile feeding unit will return to assist with meal service.  Lt. Clay left supplies to assist in the event the shelter did receive a few residents and dropped additional supplies in Randolph County to assist their response effort.

Oklahoma Efforts:

Jackson County:  Lts Joe and Betty Price, Altus, OK Corps Officers, delivered 60 meals and beverages for dinner on Friday at the request of emergency management.  On Saturday, 77 meals and 100 snacks were delivered to responders.   The officers were asked to be on stand-by for service on Sunday.

Financial donations are critically needed to support disaster relief efforts.  There are four ways to donate:

• Visit www.salvationarmyusa.org
• Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY and designate April 2011 Tornado Outbreak.
• Checks may be made out to “The Salvation Army Disaster Services” and mailed to PO Box 100339, Atlanta, GA  30384-0339.  Monetary donations will ensure The Salvation Army can meet the most immediate needs of those impacted by disaster.

Contact:          Captain Ben Walters, Conway Corps Officer

                        501.908.2235 or ben_walters@uss.salvationarmy.org

                        Captain David Robinson

                        870-413-1700 or david_robinson@uss.salvationarmy.org