Charleston, SC (August 7, 2024)–The emergency team meeting at The Salvation Army of Charleston began at 10 a.m. and ended by 10:25. With the threat of heavy rain and flooding from Tropical Storm Debby along the South Carolina coast, every minute was a race against time. By 10:26, with clear objectives in hand, teams of employees and volunteers fanned out to tackle their assigned duties: secure food supplies for more than 1,500 emergency meals; move Salvation Army vehicles to higher ground, safe from the impending floodwaters; and prepare sandbags and fortify The Salvation Army’s facilities to weather the approaching storm.
It takes many hands to make light work, especially during a disaster.
“Without teamwork and collaboration, we would not be able to do what we do—show people the love of Jesus Christ and address their physical needs,” said Captain Joshua Davis of The Salvation Army of Charleston.
The teamwork and collaboration extend far beyond the walls of The Salvation Army. At 3:30 p.m., Captain Davis received a call from the local emergency operations centers in Dorchester County and Charleston requesting meals for three newly opened evacuation shelters. Each shelter needed 50 meals delivered by 6:00 p.m. The team swiftly organized and delivered the meals to the shelters.
"When disaster strikes, the burden falls heavily on those most affected by the storm. But with teamwork within our team and alongside community partners, we can help share the load and support our community," said Captain Davis.
As Tropical Storm Debby's path becomes more defined, Salvation Army locations along the coast and in nearby inland areas are mobilizing staff and volunteers and collaborating with community partners to ensure the needs of the most vulnerable are met after the storm.
Whether the need is physical, emotional, or spiritual, we all work together to alleviate human suffering in disaster.
For the latest information on disaster relief efforts, please visit www.disaster.salvationarmy.org. To make a donation, visit www.helpsalvationarmy.org.
