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JUL
Clean-up, Renew, Rebuild Continues After Extensive Flooding in Southeastern Kentucky
Middlesboro, KY (July 13, 2011) – “We know that ‘in all things God works for the good of those who love Him,’ and this situation is no different” said Captain Adrian Twinney, Incident Commander, speaking about the extensive flooding and quoting a favorite scripture passage.
Using strengthened community and local government relationships, The Salvation Army has been laboring tirelessly to bring aid and comfort to those who were some dramatically affected by last month’s flash flooding throughout Southeastern Kentucky including:
- 1189 Hot, nutritious meals and/or snacks
- 2865 Gallons of safe, drinkable, bottled water
- $15,000 In convenience cards allowing flood survivors to purchase what they need most
- 523 Well-stocked food boxes
- 627 Clean-up kits*
In addition, trained Salvation Army staff and volunteers provided flood survivors numerous sundry items like: blankets, clothes, furniture, Bibles, and baby supplies.
“Thank God for The Salvation Army” was a common remark from those who were looking for assistance in a time of real need. This is frequently followed by, “…they where there when we needed them.”
A defining characteristic of The Salvation Army’s holistic approach to Emergency Disaster Services is that of Emotional and Spiritual Care. One of the hundreds of times this vital asset played out summarizes it well—a male senior citizen walked into the intake area looking understandably tired. As the warm smile of a Salvation Army volunteer welcomed him, the man broke down in tears and quietly said, “I lost everything.” Three words, with life changing impact. Talking with him, praying with him, and providing short and long-term assistance, this Bell County resident didn’t have to face his tragedy alone.
Even as Captain Twinney leads The Salvation Army’s response, he and his wife—also a Salvation Army officer—are coordinating the clean-up of The Salvation Army’s facility, which experienced extensive damage in the flooding. Leveraging that favorite scripture passage and this opportunity, The Salvation Army is taking steps to reconfigure their building to better meet the evolving community needs.
“Before the flooding, we were already looking at how to meet a growing need for a feeding program,” said Twinney. The need to replace walls, flooring, etc. grants the ability to better position the kitchen and a large room to accommodate a dining area. Twinney went on to say “The insurance helps, but won’t cover all our costs, but we have to act in faith to meet these needs.”
The Salvation Army has always operated in a way that meets the needs of some segments of a community through the generosity of other segments.
For the latest news about Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services or to make a donation in the support of those impacted by this flooding, please visit: www.disaster.SalvationArmyUSA.org. You can also call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769).
You may also help The Salvation Army now by texting “SAnow” 80888 to make a $10.00 contribution to the relief effort. The donation will appear on your next phone bill.
* Containing such cleaning basics as a mop, bucket, cleaning agents, sponges, masks, and gloves; a clean-up kit seems basic. A photo of a clean-up kit can be found at www.TSA.ms/edsinfo.
About the Salvation Army: The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination since 1865. 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. About 83 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services in nearly 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.
