• Johnathan Haskell

Salvation Army Teams Bringing Relief to Washington County, Virginia

Glade Spring, VA - The Salvation Army is continuing to provide relief to victims of one of the worst storms to ever hit this part of the country. 

“I grew up in the Midwest, but I’ve never seen anything like this before,” said one local resident named Richard.  “I’m very happy to be alive.”

Richard and his wife, Carolyn survived the storm by crouching down in a pantry next to the stove in their kitchen. There was no time to get to the basement, as their home literally came apart around them.  Their roof blew off, windows exploded and walls collapsed.

“We kissed each other and said our goodbyes,” added Carolyn, “but somehow, we made it through.”

This afternoon, as another round of storms approached, the Salvation Army team and a group of friends helped them move the rest of their belongings into the basement in hopes that they would stay dry.  Like many local residents, Richard and Carolyn are still waiting, a week after the tornado, for a visit from their claims adjuster.  Until then, they are hesitant to clean up too much.

Salvation Army workers continued up and down the street offering meals, drinks, encouragement and prayers to people who have lost so much.  (Photographs are available at www.facebook.com/knoxredshield.)

Over the course of two days in Glade Spring, The Salvation Army has provided:

• 415 meals
• 415 drinks
• 205 cups of coffee
• 20 cases of water
• Spiritual assistance for 50 people

The Salvation Army will continue serving from its staging area near Interstate 81 in Glade Spring and will also continue roaming the hardest hit neighborhoods.

The best way to help tornado survivors and rescue workers is to make a financial contribution. Monetary donations allow disaster responders to immediately meet the specific needs of disaster survivors.  The Salvation Army asks those who want to help to visit www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769) and designate their gift "April 2011 Tornado Outbreak."  Checks may be made out to:

The Salvation Army Disaster Relief

P.O. Box100339

Atlanta, GA 30384-0339

At this point, in-kind donations are not being accepted outside the disaster area.  Used clothing and used furniture are seldom required during an incident.  However, these gifts are vitally important in supporting the day-to-day work of your local Salvation Army. Please consider giving these items to your local Salvation Army Thrift Store or dial 1-800-SA-TRUCK.

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.