• Christopher Priest

USA Southern Territory Prepares for Hurricane Matthew

The Salvation Army, USA Southern Territory is preparing, participating and praying for the imminent arrival of Hurricane Matthew.

(Atlanta, Georgia): Since 1900 when the Army was officially recognized as a first responder, thousands of disasters throughout the USA and much of the world have been met and with relief and recovery efforts from this International organization now active in 127 countries.

Current calculations show the storm grazing the Atlantic coast of Florida and the coastal regions of Georgia and South Carolina. "Matthew" has already caused devastation in Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba where The Salvation Army has a presence, and is responding as best they can.

Each of the fifteen states and District of Columbia that comprise the USA Southern Territory have, since the weekend been preparing equipment, personnel and supplies. Major Terry Israel, Community Relations and Development Secretary for the Southern Territory says: "We are poised, equipped, and ready for any impact from this devastating storm. We are very grateful to our communities for their support in the past. We are confident they will again respond by supporting our efforts as we meet the needs of those affected."

There are almost 200 centers of operation within the states of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. Most of these centers have been involved in the initial preparations. "Once we know the final direction of the storm as it comes close to Florida, we will mobilize, ensuring we can meet the needs of communities across that state who may be in a power out situation, flood area, or worse severe wind and storm surge damage." said Emergency Disaster Services Coordinator for the territory, Jeff Jellets.

Further updates will be posted as available.

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We are hopeful of a generous public in meeting our needs of supplies to bring initial relief and recovery.

Here is how you can help:

CASH

The best way to help after a disaster is to make a financial donation to the charity of your choice. Cash is flexible, can be used immediately in response to a crisis, and allows disaster relief organizations to purchase exactly what is needed, when it’s needed. Cash gives relief organizations the means to procure supplies near the affected area, which cuts down on transportation time and cost. Monetary contributions also support local economies and ensure that businesses can operate when relief supplies diminish.

To make a financial gift to The Salvation Army, give:

· Donate Online: http://give.salvationarmyusa.org/hurricane_matthew

· Donate By Mail: The Salvation Army PO BOX 1959 Atlanta, GA 30301 Please designate 'Hurricane Matthew' on all checks.

· Donate By Phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)

· Donate By Text: Text STORM to 51555 to receive a donation link for easy mobile giving

CORPORATE DONATIONS

Corporate gift offers from within an affected division should be directed to:

FLA: Jerry Stickney at jerry.stickney@uss.salvationarmy.org

GEO: John Zanders at john.zanders@uss.salvationarmy.org

NSC: Trent Johnson at trent.johnson@uss.salvationarmy.org

Major gift offers (from outside the impacted areas) should be directed to Territorial Headquarters to Tyra Gore at tyra.gore@uss.salvationarmy.org.

IN-KIND DONATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC OR COMMUNITY GROUPS

Currently, The Salvation Army is not accepting in-kind donations from the general public for disaster relief operations. This may (or may not) change once the storm has made landfall and a more complete assessment of survivor's needs are known.

However, The Salvation Army depends upon your donation of used clothing and other items to support local programming. Please consider donating your used clothing, used furniture, and other items to your local Salvation Army Family (or Thift) Store.

VOLUNTEERS

The Salvation Army recruits and deploys disaster workers through its local Salvation Army units. To register as a disaster worker:

- Call your local Salvation Army.

- Register online at www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org

If you are a new volunteer, registering today, bear in mind that The Salvation Army typically uses trained disaster workers already associated with The Salvation Army FIRST.

INTERNATIONAL RELIEF FOR HAITI, BAHAMAS, AND OTHER CARIBBEAN ISLANDS

As above, the best way to help The Salvation Army's Caribbean Territory respond to Hurricane Matthew to make a financial gift:

- To donate online: salar.my/Matthew

- To donate by check, please mail to: Salvation Army World Service Office Hurricane Matthew Relief P.O. Box 418558 Boston, MA 02241-8558 Mark checks with "Hurricane Matthew"

- To donate by phone, please call: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)

International corporate and major gift offers may be directed Darcelle Wilson at the Salvation Army World Service Office (SAWSO) via e-mail at darcelle.wilson@usn.salvationarmy.org
 

The Salvation Army is not soliciting in-kind goods for the Caribbean; transporting these goods to the islands is time and cost prohibitive. The Salvation Army is not deploying personnel from the United States to Caribbean. The Salvation Army already has an established indigenous disaster relief programs within these countries and numerous local volunteers.

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 136 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. 83 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.