The Salvation Army Builds Stronger Relief and Recovery Presence In Hackleburg and Northwest Alabama

Jackson, MS - May 9, 2011 - As the response to Alabama and Mississippi tornadoes moves towards its second week, The Salvation Army is strengthening its presence in the northwest part of Alabama near Russellville and Hackleburg.

Two mobile feeding units will continue to provide meals and drinks as relief and recovery continues in Hackleburg. Additionally, The Salvation Army’s 52’ Field Kitchen began service today as the kitchen for the Hackleburg Schools. Up to 600 meals per day will be served from the kitchen throughout the remainder of the school year.

The Salvation Army is also operating a warehouse for distribution and case work in Russellville. The Salvation Army is currently in need of warehouse space closer to Hackleburg to strengthen the response to the hard hit community.

Currently, EDS personnel are providing food, beverages, and emotional/spiritual care to storm victims in Alabama and Mississippi. Over 200,000  meals have been served to date plus an additional 450,000 sandwiches, snacks and drinks. Additional resources, such as clean-up kits, clothing, household items, hygiene products, and baby items are being distributed.

Pastoral care teams have provided emotional and spiritual care to over 8,300 people. Prayers have also been conducted with thousands of others.

As power continues to be restored in many communities, the need for The Salvation Army’s feeding services are diminishing quickly. On Wednesday, only 13 feeding sites will be operated down from a high of 40 . Below are the feeding locations for 5/11.

Additionally, The Salvation Army is providing case workers and distribution at multiple sites across the affected areas. Limited distribution of clothing, household items, food boxes, cleaning supplies, and limited financial assistance are available. To date over 56,000 people have received assistance from The Salvation Army.

Below are the 19 distribution sites as of 5/10. The Salvation Army anticipates that distribution will commence in the Tuscaloosa area within the next week once a warehouse has been secured.

ALABAMA

Birmingham/Jefferson County (350 Industrial Blvd, B’ham, 35211)

Guntersville/Marshall County (1500 Sunset Drive - G’ville Rec Center) Casework ONLY

Guntersville/Marshall County (609 Blount Avenue)

Cullman/Cullman County (103 3^rdAve - Thrift Store)

Arab/Marshall County (1336 Gunter Avenue – Thrift Store)

Anniston/Calhoun County (171 Town Center Drive – Ft. McClellan)

Russellville/Franklin County (204 Ash Ave. - Russellville Rec Center)

Jacksonville/Calhoun County (Eagle Point Church, Jax,)

Decatur/Morgan County (Corps building - 114 14^thStreet, Decatur)

Fort Payne/Dekalb County (450 Gault Ave North – Service Center)

Huntsville/Madison County (Corps building -2114 Oakwood Ave)

Jasper/Walker County (Thrift Store - 207 20^thSt, Jasper, Al)

Pisgah/Jackson County (3030 County Road 58 Pisgah)

Montgomery/Elmore & Autauga Counties (900 Maxwell Blvd, Montgomery)

Oneonta/Blount County (333 Valley Road – Service Center)

MISSISSIPPI

Meridian/Lauderdale County (120 6^thAv South – Social Services)

Houston/Chickasaw County (114 Washington Street, Houston, MS – Service Center)

Oxford/Lafayette County (2649 West Oxford Loop - Thrift Store)

If you would like to help victims of the tornadoes and storms please give online to: www.salvationarmyusa.organd mark them for April 2011 Tornado Outbreak or text “GIVE” to 80888 or you can give by calling 1-800-Sal-Army.

Financial donations are needed to support disaster relief efforts.  The Salvation Army asks those who want to help to visit www.salvationarmyusa.orgor call 1-800-SAL-ARMY and designate April 2011 Tornado Outbreak.  Donors may text “GIVE” to 80888.  Checks may be made out to The Salvation Army Disaster Relief, P.O. Box 100339, Atlanta, GA 30384-0339.  Monetary donations will ensure The Salvation Army can meet the most immediate needs of those impacted by disaster. 

About The Salvation Army:

The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination since 1865. Nearly 33 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year. The Salvation Army provides food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, and outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing, shelter and opportunities for underprivileged children. About 83 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services in nearly 9,000 communities nationwide. For more information go to http://www.salvationarmyusa.org, call 1-800-SAL-ARMY, or send a check to your local Salvation Army earmarked for disaster relief.