• Philip Burn

Salvation Army Delivering Practical Help and Prayer after South Texas Tornado

Dallas, TX (May 15, 2023) – Staff and volunteers from The Salvation Army in McAllen and Port Isabel continue to provide meals and emotional and spiritual support to those impacted by the tornado that struck the small community of Laguna Heights, Texas, in the early hours of Saturday morning.

In addition to meals, hydration, and snacks, The Salvation Army is also distributing tarps and cleanup kits to those working to salvage and clean their homes and businesses after the storm. The Salvation Army has also placed 26 families in hotel rooms. Much of the area remains without power, only adding to the challenges for the community.

“There is so much going on it’s hard to keep up right now. I only live a couple of miles away and it is difficult to see this happen to my friends, family, and community,” said Julie Gaucin, The Salvation Army Service Extension Regional Coordinator. “People are coming to me and asking, ‘Julie, we need your help,’ because they know me and that I’m with The Salvation Army. It’s heartbreaking to hear the stories of what has happened and see the damage to homes, but The Salvation Army staff and volunteers are doing all we can to help.”

The disaster team from the McAllen Corps deployed to Laguna Heights in their mobile kitchen and since Saturday have served alongside local volunteers providing 2195 meals, distributed 145 tarps and 96 cleanup kits. Additional supplies are being sent to the area for distribution.

“The entire community is working together to help each other and clean up the area. We had a company come by the mobile kitchen yesterday who worked to clear all the debris from the road and around our serving area. That was a massive help,” said Gaucin. “Multiple people have showed up to volunteer and the team from the McAllen Salvation Army have been such a blessing. They are trained disaster volunteers and showed up ready to work and pray! People are tired and emotional and sometimes at a loss to what to do. Our team has listened to their stories and had the incredible opportunity to pray with them.”

The best way to support The Salvation Army’s efforts in Laguna Heights is to make a financial donation at helpsalvationarmy.org. 100% of your donation will support the ongoing relief and recovery work in South Texas.

For the latest disaster response information, go to www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org