Salvation Army Combating Natural Disasters with Acts of God in Alabama
Mark Jones | mark_jones@uss.salvationarmy.org
Photo: A Salvation Army disaster canteen serves food in Athens AL neighborhoods devestated by tornadoes.
Huntsville, AL (March 2, 2012) Words and pictures cannot adequately describe the physical, emotional, and spiritual toll that severe weather takes on the individual and the community. For the second time in less than twelve months residents of the mid-south are experiencing widespread tornado outbreaks that are leaving behind emotionally and physically drained residents.
That is where The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services picks up. Providing hot meals, water, coffee and clean up kits are only a part of the ministry being performed across the south tonight by hundreds of dedicated volunteers, soldiers and employees of The Salvation Army.
Emotional and Spiritual Care is also being provided in communities affected by natural disaster. Serving a cup of cold water or sharing a hug speaks louder than any words could ever be expressed and helps The Salvation Army combat natural disasters with acts of God.
Throughout the day on Friday, three mobile feeding units from Huntsville, Decatur and Florence served hundreds of meals to storm survivors in North Alabama. The Salvation Army comforted and prayed with many residents who were once again affected by natural disaster.
The Salvation Army will continue serving throughout the weekend as residents begin the clean up process. On Saturday, feeding units will return to areas of Madison and Limestone Counties affected by Friday’s storms.
Additionally, The Salvation Army is responding in other southern states. EDS personnel are actively serving residents of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana affected by Friday’s storms.
Financial donations are needed to support disaster relief efforts. The Salvation Army asks those who want to help to visit www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY and designate March 2012 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.
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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.
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 30 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit www.SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.