• Kevin Smith

Salvation Army & Coca Cola Partner in Pensacola Tornado Relief

Penscaola, FL (February 24, 2016) - The Salvation Army of Pensacola were staging cots and blankets on their gymnasium floor as early as 10:00 am on Tuesday preparing for a significant outbreak of tornados.   In partnership with Emergency Management and local disaster relief organizations, Pensacola was ready to respond. 

"Thanks to our National Weather Service partners, we knew this was going to be a big event, so we were prepared." said Major Bob Cornett, Corps Officer of The Salvation Army of Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties.

When the Moorings apartment complex began to fail, local responders and partner agencies were ready to respond opening shelter to house those whose homes were destroyed.  This morning as the sun rises, The Salvation Army will be serving hot meals and distributing bottled water that was donated by Coca Cola. 

Major Cornett was quick to mention, "Coke has always been a strong partner in disaster relief with The Salvation Army.  This morning our local distibutor stepped up again to help families that are trying to cope with the widespread damage to their homes and businesses." 

The Salvation Army of Pensacola was still serving the families from Century, Florida that was hit with an EF3 tornado February 15, 2016.  Providing meals and hydration to responders and survivors is the first step to helping those affected by disasters.  As the immediate response transitions to recovery, The Salvation Army partners to help rebuild lives and comfort families through times by providing Disaster Social Services.

Financial donations are the best way to support those affected by these devastating tornadoes.  Donations can be made online at www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org, by calling 800-SAL-ARMY or by sending a check to your local Salvation Army, earmarked, Emergency Disaster Services.

While used clothing and used furniture are seldom required during disaster response, these gifts are vitally important in supporting the day-to-day work of The Salvation Army. Please consider giving these items to the local Family Store by dialing 1-800-SA-TRUCK (1-800-728-7825).

For the latest emergency disaster services news from The Salvation Army, please visit www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org or follow the social feed on Twitter at @salarmyeds.

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.