• Anthony Esposito

The Salvation Army of Augusta's Emergency Disaster Team Returns Home

Augusta, GA - May 11, 2011 - The Salvation Army of Greater Augusta announced today that Katie Atkinson, Volunteer and Disaster Services Coordinator, Debra McKenzie, Development Manager, John Gillam, a member of The Salvation Army Corps (the church), and The Salvation Army of Greater Augusta canteen (mobile kitchen) returned to Augusta, GA last night after serving tornado victims for 10 days in northeast Alabama.

During their 10 days in the tornado disaster zone, The Salvation Army of Greater Augusta delegation served 1,000s of meals out of Salvation Army canteens to those scrambling to put their lives back together.  The Augusta delegation witnessed not only the devastation of the numerous tornados that struck Alabama, but also the healing process that has begun in the days since the tragedy.

A day by day journal of the Augusta delegation’s experience serving the tornado victims has been placed online for public viewing at: http://www.krocaugusta.org/daily-dispatches-from-the-field/

Also, photos from their 10 days of service are available at: http://www.facebook.com/salvationarmyaugusta?sk=photos

In addition, on Thursday, May 12, Katie Atkinson and Debra McKenzie will be available to tell their story of hope to the media.  To schedule an interview with them and film footage of the canteen they served in, please contact Anthony Esposito, Public Relations Coordinator, at 706-421-3047 or anthony.esposito@salvationarmyaugusta.org. 

Those who wish to support The Salvation Army’s disaster relief work through a monetary contribution can visit SalvationArmyAugusta.org and click the banner at the top of the page.  Donations can also be made by mailing a check to The Salvation Army of Greater Augusta 1384 Greene St. Augusta, GA 30901 and put “Disaster Services” in the “for” line of the check.  Those that want to donate can also call 1-800-SAL-ARMY or text “GIVE” to 80888.

For more information about The Salvation Army of Greater Augusta, please contact Anthony Esposito, Public Relations Coordinator, at 706-421-3047 or anthony.esposito@uss.salvationarmy.org.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London 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 The Salvation Army spends is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyaugusta.org.  You can also follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/salvationarmyaugustaand Twitter at @TSAAugusta.