VIDALIA, GA (October 7, 2024) — In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s destruction, The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) has continued its critical response in Vidalia, GA, and the surrounding five counties. Deploying an Incident Management Team and six mobile feeding units, The Salvation Army has provided critical resources to Toombs County and beyond. Additional Incident Management Teams have been mobilized in Valdosta and Alma, with local response teams on the ground in Augusta, Savannah, Waycross, and Elberton.
Adam Kitta, The Salvation Army’s Assistant Emergency Disaster Director for Western Pennsylvania, expressed gratitude for local partnerships, saying, “The Salvation Army is incredibly thankful to First Baptist Church of Vidalia and Senior Pastor Chad Ritchie for providing space for our teams and the Southern Baptist Kitchen to serve meals, distribute food boxes, and provide water to those in need. We couldn’t have done this without your support and the volunteers.”
In the past six days alone, The Salvation Army has provided over 31,400 meals and 30,000 snacks and drinks to those affected.
Pastor Christian Burton of The Oaks Baptist Church, reflecting on the community’s resilience, shared, “Toombs County is absolutely community strong in response to the devastation that Hurricane Helene left behind. We, at The Oaks Baptist Church, are so thankful to our congregation for their generous and gracious partnership with The Salvation Army. Together, we’ve provided meals, drinks, and snacks to over 5,000 individuals. Thank you, Salvation Army of Vidalia, for allowing us to serve alongside you.” Pastor Burton also cited James 1:2-4, encouraging endurance in times of trial, “My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance, and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.”
Captain Emmanuel Villegas, a Salvation Army officer from Lynn, Massachusetts, recounted a moving story from the field: “As part of our daily routine, Larry, a volunteer from Baltimore, and I were assigned to deliver meals to a senior living facility housing over 100 residents. Many of them had stayed in their homes throughout Hurricane Helene, and most had not received any assistance afterward.”
He continued, “During our visit, we met Claire, an elderly woman who lives alone on the second floor and has been unable to leave her apartment since the storm. Claire’s cat, Luna, had been her loyal companion for 19 years but sadly passed away the day after the hurricane. I spent about 20 minutes listening to Claire talk about Luna and how much she missed her. It became clear that our conversation brought her comfort. She felt heard, and that made all the difference.”
How You Can Help
In times of disaster, The Salvation Army is a trusted responder. With the generous support of communities, The Salvation Army can meet immediate needs during disaster responses. Contributing financially is the best way to help relief workers and those impacted by disasters. Financial contributions allow disaster responders to meet the specific needs of those impacted immediately. During emergency disasters, 100% of designated gifts support specific relief efforts.
- Visit HelpSalvationArmy.org
- Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY
For the latest information on The Salvation Army disaster relief efforts, please visit www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.
