Atlanta, GA (October 8, 2024) – As the most impacted areas of Georgia continue to recover from Hurricane Helene, over 70,000 residents are still without power. The Salvation Army’s response team in Valdosta has demobilized while the Vidalia and Alma teams continue to distribute hot meals and meal boxes. All response teams continue to provide resources such as food boxes and cleanup kits. In Savannah and Elberton, available resources continue to be utilized to support surrounding communities. As of October 7, The Salvation Army Georgia Division has provided food in over thirty counties across the state and served over 187,000 meals in the wake of this disaster.
Augusta
After receiving a generous grant from Aetna, The Salvation Army’s team in Augusta was able to purchase a laundry unit, allowing healthcare workers without power to have access to clean clothing. So far, the Augusta response team has served 4,546 meals and 880 drinks and snacks, as well as 960 food boxes. While power outages still affect many residents in Augusta and the surrounding counties, improvements continue to be made.
Douglas
The response team in Douglas has now provided 79,335 meals and 64,105 snacks and drinks since they established presence in the area. Additionally, 1,518 food boxes and 847 cases of water have been given out. Food service continues in nearby Alma.
Vidalia
The team in Vidalia is continuing to serve hot meals and meal boxes to the community. 36,277 meals and 38,255 snacks and drinks have now been served to Vidalia and the surrounding counties. An additional 1,296 cases of water have been given out.
Valdosta
While The Salvation Army’s emergency response team is demobilizing from Valdosta in order to serve communities that are currently in greater need, the impact of the team’s presence in Lowndes County and the surrounding area has been significant. Since the storm, the community has received 32,217 meals and 25,956 snacks and drinks. 1,033 meal boxes and 952 cleanup kits have also been provided.
Savannah
The Salvation Army’s response team in Chatham County and the surrounding area continues to serve food to the community. So far, they have provided 30,160 meals and 20,859 snacks and drinks to those impacted by the storm. 1,584 cases of water and 1,200 food boxes have also been provided.
As the hardest-hit areas continue to see restoration to their power grids and removal of debris, The Salvation Army continues to provide much-needed food, services, and comfort to those who have suffered as a result of Hurricane Helene.
How You Can Help:
- 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.
