• Sarah Schmitt

Bridges of Mercy (Part 2)- Into Arms of The Salvation Army, Call to Action

Lakeland, FL (October 23, 2024)- The Salvation Army maintained boots on the ground presence within the Community of Bonny Shores, Lakeland, FL in response to the needs sited. A mobile canteen unit went back providing 128 hot meals, water, ice, and emotional and spiritual care and to those in need, still distressed from Hurricane Milton.

Community manager on site, provided a list of needs for the survivors of the fifty-five and older community, asking for cleanup kits, gloves, water, and mosquito repellent. The Salvation Army heard the need, developed a call to action, located, secured, and delivered the “wish list of needs” of the devasted and tired community.

The Salvation Army Tampa Warehouse provided 192 Clean Up Kits delivered straight to Bonny Shores Community Center. 900 boxes of emergency drinking water, 13 boxes of additional medical exam gloves, and 200 large cans of mosquito repellent sent from Lakeland Salvation Army Corps. Survivor volunteers waited to help their neighbors, eager to show appreciation along the side of 4-Salvation Army Canteen Crew, 1-Emotional and Spiritual Care Officer, and 1-Public Information Officer. All hands willing and available to hand out the needed supplies. A small but mighty crew delivered on all the requests, answering prayers, and bridging hope and mercy.

The cleanup kits are designed to clean and disinfect homes post hurricanes, floods, and fires. Supplies include: A 5-gallon bucket with lid, fourteen” Broom, fourteen” squeegee, (2) fifty-four” four section metal handles, brush, capped sweep, scrub brush, cellulose sponge, leather palm work gloves, household rubber gloves, medical exam gloves, respirator mask, heavy duty garbage bags, and liquid cleaning solution.

Tim Beyer, of Fort Myers, Salvation Army Corps volunteered to go out via golf cart and kayak with a community volunteer to deliver needed supplies to shut in is otherwise still yet unable to get to dry land delivering supplies. The embodiment of neighbor helping neighbor, “Doing the Most Good” feeling palpable in both dry and wet land. “A lot come, and a lot go, but this is the time to be involved.” Tim’s spirit of joy was infectious to those he was around, providing arms to deliver, and humbled to hear survivor accounts offering support wherever he could. God brought Tim through his own story, to be here for their story.

Survivors, previously filled with desperation showed signs of humbleness and gratitude, inspired by “being brought together”, “working on the same goal”, “getting to give back to the Army when the Army saved them 39 years ago”, and “never felt the love of Jesus, until being in the arms of Salvation Army workers, felt Jesus was there”.

Powerful affirmations in distressing times resonate the cornerstone of The Salvation Army resolute on sharing the gospel of Jesus by concentrating on the most important human needs, "The Three S's"—soup, soap, and salvation.”

At The Salvation Army USA every contribution helps create meaningful change in the lives of those served. Discover the tangible impact of our work through stories of hope, transformation, and community support. Generosity and compassion fuel the mission, providing Disaster Core Services.