• Cynthia (Cindy) Fuller

Woodward Disaster Response Continues

Woodward, OK (April 22, 2012) Even as rebuilding begins and clean-up continues The Salvation Army’s commitment to the residents of Woodward, Oklahoma is going strong. An F-3 tornado causes damage to many homes and businesses just a short one week ago today. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management reports 224 homes were affected with 73 destroyed and 13 with major damage.

Unfortunately, a request for a federal disaster declaration from the White House was denied. The Salvation Army is currently in the Multi-Agency Resource Center located at the First Baptist Church, 202 E Hanks Trail in Woodward. The center is open seven days a week. The Salvation Army is providing emergency assistance to households affected by the tornado to help meet their immediate needs.

The mobile feeding unit provided 1,804 meals, 1,787 snacks and 2,123 beverages while it was active. Also, due to the generosity of viewers of KFOR (Channel 4) in Oklahoma City, The Salvation Army’s Central Oklahoma Area Command delivered a trailer full of supplies to Woodward Emergency Management. The supplies were delivered at their request and included items such as leather gloves, tarps, garbage bags, and more.

Emotional and spiritual care has been a large part of The Salvation Army’s response. Led by Captain John Dancer, Enid Salvation Army, a total of 269 contacts were made to affected individuals. Many of these persons are dealing with the loss of loved ones due to the tornado.

The Salvation Army continues to work with our Oklahoma VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster) partners and state/local government to coordinate efforts in Woodward. The Salvation Army has committed to participate in the unmet needs committee for needs identified through the long-term recovery case management process that is being established.

The impact of this storm will continue to be felt by those affected. The best way to help survivors and relief workers is to make a financial contribution. Monetary donations allow disaster responders to meet the specific needs of disaster survivors. Locally, in Woodward, only monetary donations are being accepted. Checks may be mailed to PO Box 542, Woodward, OK 73802 or dropped off at The Salvation Army located at 1209 9th Street. Checks are to be made out to The Salvation Army of Woodward / Ellis County. All donations made for the disaster will go directly to those affected in the area. All funds collected will be designated towards this particular disaster. The Salvation Army’s office in Woodward may be reached at 580-256-1083.

The Salvation Army also provides online means for people who want to help those affected by disaster. Visit www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769.) Designate “Woodward” when making your donation. For the latest emergency disaster services news, please visit www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org and follow the latest updates on Twitter @SalArmyEDS, @SalArmyAOKEDS, and @SalArmyAOK. Interested parties may also visit www.salvationarmyaok.org and Facebook at www.facebook.com/SalArmyAOK.

Additional updates will be sent as new information becomes available.