• Robert Myers

Salvation Army Aids Pennsylvania Communities Hit by Flash Floods

PHILADELPHIA – The Salvation Army of Eastern PA & DE’s Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) continued for a fourth day in its efforts to provide hope, care and comfort to clean-up crews, local officials and residents impacted by this week’s flash floods in central and eastern Pennsylvania. On Thursday, August 16, teams fanned out in communities through Berks, Bradford, Columbia, Susquehanna and Schuylkill Counties, providing meals, beverages and clean-up kits to local families. Salvation Army representatives worked to connect residents with resources through partner agencies.  They are working closely with local and state officials to continually assess needs and deliver service to impacted communities. This is all possible through a coordinated partnership with The Salvation Army’s Service Extension Units, Corps Community Centers and volunteers across the region.

In Columbia County on Thursday, a Salvation Army team went door-to-door in Bloomsburg, distributing clean-up kits to residents who are in need of cleaning their homes damaged by the floods.  A Salvation Army canteen (mobile feeding operation) provided food and drinks to those in need in Benton.

A canteen was stationed in Tremont, Schuylkill County on Thursday at the request of the town’s mayor, providing meals to clean-up crews, emergency personnel and local residents. Salvation Army staff and volunteers also provided 200 meals to the emergency command center in Tremont for officials working through the weekend.

Across Bradford County, EDS spent the day connecting local flood survivors with much-needed supplies like clean-up kits and cases of water.  A disaster relief canteen will be stationed at the Salvation Army local service center headquarters at First United Methodist Church, 105 Main Street, Towanda, through Saturday, providing meals and beverages to flood survivors and first responders.

100 clean-up kits were distributed in the hard-hit community of Montrose, Susquehanna County on Thursday, while another EDS team spent the day driving through the county providing food and drinks to impacted residents.

In Hamburg, Berks County, a crew traveled through flood-ravaged neighborhoods and handed out 70 clean-up kits to local families. The Salvation Army Hamburg Service Center and 1st United Church of Christ in Hamburg have partnered to assist Hamburg residents impacted by the flood.  Those in need of  clothing and supplies may visit the church located at 2 S. Pine Street, Hamburg, Berks County, on Monday, August 20, 2pm – 6pm.  Photo ID is required to receive supplies.

The Salvation Army Hamburg Family Store & Service Center is accepting in-kind donations for locally impacted residents.  Requested items include: cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, paper towels, as well as (new or gently used) bedding and bath towels. Donations may be dropped off at The Salvation Army Hamburg Family Store & Service Center, 700 S. Fourth Street #C, Hamburg, PA, through Saturday, August 18.  Items may also be dropped off at the 1st United Church of Christ, 2 S. Pine Street, Hamburg, on Monday, August 20, 2pm – 6pm.

To support The Salvation Army’s local flood relief efforts, text PAFlood to 41444 using a smartphone. Then follow the links to make a secure online credit card donation. Checks should be mailed to: The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services, 701 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123. Please write PA Flood Relief in the memo.

The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) provides basic needs and services to victims of disaster, while also assisting first-responders. Serving one - two million Americans in dozens of response efforts nationwide, EDS is often one of the first on the scene to aid emergency response efforts by providing food, shelter, clothing and spiritual comfort.

About The Salvation Army:

The Salvation Army of Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware is a faith-based, comprehensive human service organization whose programs help individuals, families and whole communities lead healthier, safer and more productive lives. Since 1879, The Army has held a record of accomplishment stemming from its holistic approach to providing for the needs of the whole individual – physically, emotionally, economically and spiritually. The Army’s programming serves every zip code through 51 community centers and a network of volunteers throughout Eastern Pennsylvania, Philadelphia and Delaware. Programs and services include: shelter, hot meals, counseling, early childhood development, recreational opportunities, music programs, after-school arts and educational programs, job training, activities for older adults, spiritual development, and drug rehabilitation.

Mission Statement: The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

For more information, please visit www.SalvationArmyPA.org