• Patricia James

Salvation Army to Open Flood Recovery Center in Rutland

Portland, ME (September 14, 2011) - Following its initial flood relief efforts, The Salvation Army will enter into longer term assistance when it opens its Flood Recovery Center on Saturday, September 17, 9:00 a.m. to offer food, clothing, furniture and spiritual support for those impacted by Tropical Storm Irene in the state of Vermont.

The Center is located at 263 South Main Street, Rutland in the former Smith Buick GMC. The space was generously donated by John and Shirley Barnhart.

Salvation Army Rutland Commander Major Charles Balcom, who has overseen all emergency disaster operations in the state, expressed his gratitude for the donation. "Our team of dedicated officers, staff and volunteers are ready to assist individuals and families that come to the center," said Major Balcom.

In addition to serving victims of Hurricane Irene, The Salvation Army is accepting donations at this location. The greatest needs are non-perishable food items, particularly canned meats, that can be dropped off during the days and times listed.

Hours of Operation for donations and assistance at the Warehouse:

• Tuesday - Thursday - 9:00 am - 4 pm
• Friday - 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
• Saturday - 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

If you would like to volunteer at the Flood Recovery Center, please call (802) 773-1739 and ask for the volunteer coordinator.

Since August 29 The Salvation Army has been providing services to families affected by Tropical Storm Irene in Rutland, Plymouth, Tyson, Ludlow, and Waterbury, Vermont. The organization's emergency disaster operation will continue to address the needs from the Flood Recovery Center. To date, The Salvation Army has provided over 9000 meals, 5600 snacks and 400 clean-up kits to flood victims in Vermont.

In addition, The Salvation Army was supported in its efforts by the following:

Ben & Jerry's - Stowe, Vermont - refrigeration & ice cream for Waterbury
Best Western of Waterbury - donated furniture
Comcast Business Services - 2 months of internet service
Household of Faith - food donation
VFW, Rutland - provided Kitchen space

Monetary donations to help The Salvation Army's hurricane relief efforts may be sent to:

The Salvation Army
Disaster Gift Processing Center
P.O. Box 1959
Atlanta, GA 30301
*Designation ‘2011 Hurricane Season'

• Credit card donations, please call: 1-800-SAL-ARMY
• Donate online: donate.salvationarmyusa.org/Irene
• Text to give: Text ‘STORM' to 80888 to make a $10 contribution.

Thank you!

 

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.