• Todd Andrews

Salvation Army Western Division Making Inroads in Flood-Affected Areas

MEALS, FLOOD-CLEANUP KITS, EMOTIONAL-SPIRITUAL CARE, AND MORE:  SALVATION ARMY OFFICERS, STAFF, AND VOLUNTEERS MAKE INROADS IN FLOOD-AFFECTED AREAS

OMAHA, Neb. -- After about a week’s worth of relief operations in Nebraska, South Dakota, and western Iowa, The Salvation Army Western Division is accelerating its efforts to reach people affected by the floods.

As of Thursday afternoon, Western Division units had served over 4,500 meals; over 5,600 drinks; and over 6,500 snacks—plus, they’d provided emotional-spiritual care to some 400 people.  Within a roughly six-day timespan, our volunteers have put in over 1,300 hours of work.  Following is a review of main points from today’s efforts, and a brief look ahead at what’s set for Friday:

In Omaha—The Kroc Center provided some 354 meals in support of Sarpy County shelters.  The team there is set to bring bottled water to the Hawaiian Village community on Friday.  Elsewhere: the operation at the old Canfield’s building opened with a new name Thursday—the Disaster Resource Center—as well as a new operational focus:  that of being primarily a distribution center for flood-relief items.  Its hours have also expanded:  Mon-Sat 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun 12 p.m.-5 p.m.

In Sioux City—The team there served some 600 snacks and 300 drinks today as they worked to provide food, supplies, and emotional-spiritual care to flood-damaged areas near Sioux City.

In Council Bluffs—Corps officers and staff are set to load their canteen truck with cleaning supplies, food, childrens’ toys, and other items and drive to Hamburg, Iowa on Friday to deliver them and provide additional support.  They also plan to assist with flood-relief efforts in Bartlett, Iowa Friday.

In Norfolk—Officers, staff, and volunteers delivered meals and clean-up kits to nearby Battle Creek.

In Fremont—Officers, staff, and volunteers served lunch to more than 200 people; plus, they delivered bottled water to nearby communities.

In Sioux Falls—The team served meals to a nonprofit search-and-rescue team working there.

The Salvation Army is seeking donations to support flood-relief efforts.  To donate:  go to www.salarmyomaha.org and click on the ‘Donate Now’ button.