• Todd Andrews

Salvation Army Calling in More Officers, Canteens to Assist with Flood Relief in NE, IA

SENDING IN REINFORCEMENTS:  MORE SALVATION ARMY OFFICERS AND CANTEENS CALLED IN FROM OUT OF STATE TO ASSIST WITH ONGOING FLOOD-RELIEF EFFORTS

The Salvation Army Western Division is calling in additional officers from outside of its home base in Omaha to bolster its ranks as it continues with large-scale flood-relief efforts.

Officers from Watertown and Huron, South Dakota—and from Lincoln, Nebraska—are set to travel to places including Sioux City, Iowa, in order to provide direct assistance to communities in need.  Plus:  additional canteens (mobile kitchens) are being brought in from eastern Iowa and southern Indiana to serve in affected communities in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa.

Following is a review of some of today’s efforts, and a brief look ahead at what’s set for Saturday:

In Omaha—Personnel from the Kroc Center started relief operations in the communities of Chris Lake and Hansen Lake south of Omaha, as well as in Hawaiian Village, via providing bottled water; they plan to begin meal service there as soon as Saturday.  Meantime, the Disaster Resource Center continued its operations near 84th and Center—both distributing flood-relief items and taking in donations thereof.   It’s open again Sat (9 a.m.-6 p.m.) and Sun (12 p.m.-5 p.m.) and will continue operations next week.

In Norfolk—Norfolk-based officers, staff, and volunteers delivered clean-up kits and hygiene kits to Columbus, Nebraska—and are now planning to provide food service there, as well.  They are now planning to help support flood-relief efforts in nearby Genoa, Nebraska, in the coming days.

In Sioux City—The team there worked in the nearby community of Hornick, Iowa, where they served over 600 meals and provided children’s activities during a town gathering. 

In Council Bluffs—The Council Bluffs team assisted with flood-relief efforts in Hamburg, Iowa, where, among other activities, they delivered candy and toys to families with children.

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.