• Philip Burn

Energy Transfer Donation Supports The Salvation Army’s Hurricane Relief Efforts in Florida and North Carolina

Dallas, Texas (November 25, 2024) – Energy Transfer, a long-standing partner of The Salvation Army, has once again stepped up to support The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services by generously donating $100,000. The donation will specifically support The Salvation Army’s relief efforts in Florida and North Carolina after Hurricanes Helene and Milton impacted hundreds of communities, with $50,000 supporting recovery work in each state.

Widespread areas in both states were devastated by Hurricanes Helene and Milton in late September and October. Recovery work continues in many communities that were left without power for multiple days and where significant flooding destroyed buildings, roads, and essential infrastructure. Over the span of several weeks, The Salvation Army staff and volunteers served more than 620,000 meals in affected areas utilizing 133 Salvation Army mobile kitchens.

“Emergency Disaster Services teams from The Salvation Army responded immediately after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The storms impacted such a wide area that our response was a significant one, requiring staff, volunteers, and equipment from multiple states to deploy,” said Alvin Migues, Emergency Disaster Services Director for The Salvation Army in Texas. “The support of corporate partners, like Energy Transfer, make it possible for The Salvation Army to be there in the times of greatest need, and to hand a hot meal and cold drink to a storm survivor in their time of crisis. Thank you, Energy Transfer, for your continued support of The Salvation Army and the impact you make in communities both in Texas, and across the country.”

Even as The Salvation Army wraps up the mass care and mobile feeding services phase of response, the organization is transitioning into recovery services. In the short term that means providing emergency financial aid, critical supplies like food boxes and holiday assistance to help families through the next few months. At the same time The Salvation Army is planning for long term recovery -- which will continue for at least two years -- providing financial support for families who are in process of rebuilding, replacing lost items such as furnishing and appliances, and other critical needs.

“The services provided by The Salvation Army are invaluable to the lives of so many people across the country, particularly in unexpected times of need such as natural disasters,” said Chris Curia, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for Energy Transfer. “As a longtime partner of The Salvation Army, Energy Transfer is proud to continue our partnership by supporting the organization’s mission across its lines of service with an overall contribution of $400,000 throughout 2024.”

Energy Transfer has made several significant donations over the years specifically to support The Salvation Army’s disaster relief efforts in Texas, and beyond. They purchased new Rapid Response Units (modified pick-up trucks specially adapted for disaster response) for The Salvation Army in San Antonio and Houston, and recently made a donation to purchase an RRU for The Salvation Army of North Texas. These units greatly increase the Army’s reach and ability to serve in communities impacted by disaster.

“We are so grateful to Energy Transfer for their continued partnership and commitment to The Salvation Army,” said Dr. Robert Garcia, Resource Development Director with The Salvation Army in Texas. “While they have a passion to help those impacted by disaster, they also support local Salvation Army programming in San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas throughout the year. This year they have pledged to provide matching gifts for the red kettle campaign in each city. Funds raised at Christmas through the red kettles support the year-round services of The Salvation Army, providing shelter, meals, and hope to those who come to us for assistance. The support of Energy Transfer makes a difference in the lives of so many individuals and families in need. Thank you.”

For the latest information please go to www.disaster.salvationarmy.org and watch for regular updates on our social media pages at www.facebook.com/salvationarmytexas/ and www.twitter.com/salarmytx. To make a donation go to www.helpsalvationarmy.org.