Perry, FL (October 2, 2024) – The Salvation Army’s Florida Disaster Team have had boots on the ground in Perry, Florida since Friday, September 27. Immediately upon arrival, Mobile Feeding Units deployed to areas affected by Hurricane Helene. The services include warm meals, hydration, and emotional and spiritual care. The response has included services to the following counties: Taylor, Dixie, Madison, and Jefferson.
While The Salvation Army’s Incident Management Team has provided leadership, guidance, and direction, the true unsung heroes of the disaster relief efforts have been the Mobile Feeding Unit Crew Members. The crews are made up of both employees and volunteers from various locations of The Salvation Army’s Florida Division, including Tallahassee, Daytona, Orlando, Clay County, Ocala County, Panama City, Fort Myers, Naples, and Leesburg.
Upon receiving deployment orders to serve on a disaster relief team, they commit to being away from their families, work, and regular life for 14 days. It is an incredible commitment of service for complete strangers. They have embodied a spirit of joy everyday despite the long hours and hot weather. You will never see them without smiles as they serve warm meals to the survivors of Hurricane Helene. One crew member hopes his smiles bring hope and give inspiration to everyone he meets. They are truly selfless heroes out on the frontlines and their passion to serve others is evident in all they do.
The Salvation Army can provide exceptional service in times of natural disasters like Hurricane Helene because of the passionate people who recognize their calling to help others. One of the core values The Salvation Army organization has is bravery; being willing to serve and go into places others may prefer to avoid, in this instance, the immediate scene of a natural disaster. Each crew member has shown incredible bravery, selflessness, and the courage to step out of their comfort zones to bring hope to those who have lost so much.
