The Salvation Army Continues To Serve Arkansas Flood Responders And Survivors

Oklahoma City, OK - May 17, 2011 – The Salvation Army continues to serve responders to the flooding occurring along the Mississippi River as well as the flood victims of the White River.

Prairie County – Des Arc, AR

The Salvation Army provided 5,207 meals from Thursday evening, May 5, through Friday, May 13. The Salvation Army arrived on site at the request of Arkansas Emergency Management to provide meal service for the National Guard troops helping Prairie County.   As the flood waters receded, many of the troops were reassigned and services were no longer needed.   Teams from various parts of Arkansas provided assistance including Central Arkansas Area Command, Fort Smith, Mountain Home, and Northwest Arkansas.   The Salvation Army is grateful to Gospel Mission Church for their hospitality as well as the community of Des Arc. 

RandolphCounty – Pocahontas, AR

The Salvation Army’s Pocahontas Service Unit continues to support flood victims in need with food boxes, toiletry items, infant items, blankets and more.   Proof of residence and other documentation may be requested as services are provided on a case by case basis.  The services are being provided through the Service Unit’s Family Store.  The store is located at 212 E. Everett Street.

Chicot and Desha Counties – McGehee, AR

On Thursday, the State of Arkansas requested assistance with feeding to begin May 13 in McGehee.   On Friday, Captain David Robinson, Pine Bluff, and Joe Finley, Arkansas Service Unit Representative, arrived to assist Jason Martin, Pastor of Victory Covenant Church and the McGehee Family Store Manager.    With the help of two Airmen, and several Service Center volunteers, 110 hot meals, 110 sack lunches, and snacks were provided.  To date, 1800 meals and numerous snacks have been provided to Air and Army National Guard Troops.  Over 447 hours of service have been donated by volunteers to help in meal preparation and service.  Meals and hydration will continue as long as there is a need.   The service is being provided at a “tent city” near McGehee where troops helping with Chicot and Desha counties are stationed.  Volunteers from The Salvation Army’s Lake Village Service Unit from Chicot County are also assisting with volunteer efforts.

Financial donations are critically needed to support disaster relief efforts. 

There are various ways to donate:

• Visit www.salvationarmyusa.org
• Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY and designate Arkansas Floods.
• Checks may be made out to “The Salvation Army Disaster Services” and mailed to PO Box 100339, Atlanta, GA  30384-0339.  Monetary donations will ensure The Salvation Army can meet the most immediate needs of those impacted by disaster.
• Text “FLOOD” to 80888 to donate $10.