• Shelley Henderson

Donated Polaris ATVs Support The Salvation Army’s Mayfield Kentucky Response

Mayfield, KY (December 23, 2021)--The Salvation Army has boots on the ground in Kentucky in response to the December 10, 2021 tornadoes that beelined through the western part of the state. Salvation Army officers, employees, and volunteers have been working to help heal communities and provide for their basic needs since the morning after the storm passed through.

In the town of Mayfield, Kentucky, The Salvation Army held a large two-day drive-thru distribution event for people impacted by the storms, giving out toys, gift cards, hygiene kits, and more than 1,000 food boxes. Cars were lined up for blocks and ensuring the line workers had enough product to serve was less of a challenge, thanks to Polaris ATVs donated to The Salvation Army by Polaris.

“The power is back on and a lot of people are back in their houses. But now they need the tools that will help them begin to rebuild – gift cards, pantry food, and household goods,” explained Jimmy Stanford, the Operations Chief for The Salvation Army’s western Kentucky response. “The Polaris ATV made the day run smoothly for those who matter the most – the people we are serving.”

The Polaris ATVs are a vital tool in disaster relief. Often disaster relief teams encounter downed power lines and trees, storm debris blocking access streets and neighborhoods, and damaged vehicles, making it impossible to deliver food, water, and supplies to households – sometimes for days at a time.  The Polaris ATVs enable Salvation Army teams to get beyond the barriers to serve. “We tell people if you can’t get to us, we can get to you,” says Jimmy.

Over the years, Polaris has been a generous corporate partner with The Salvation Army, donating ATVs and generators to The Salvation Army’s Disaster Relief Services.

“Partners like Polaris help us provide practical support in all stages of disaster relief, making a difference in the lives of those we serve,” said Bo Sells, Emergency Disaster Services Director for The Salvation Army of Kentucky and Tennessee. "We are grateful for their continued support of The Salvation Army's Emergency Disaster Services." 

You can help now by donating online at www.HelpSalvationArmy.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY and designating “KY Tornado Relief” with your gift.  Monetary donations will ensure The Salvation Army can meet the immediate needs of people impacted. The Salvation Army uses 100% of all disaster donations to support disaster relief.