Oklahoma Salvation Army Responds to Wildfires

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (August 5 – 9:30 PM) – The Salvation Army continues to respond to multiple wildfire locations.  Wildfires have now burned over 78,000 acres across Oklahoma.  Some fires continue to burn.  The Salvation Army is refreshments and spiritual care to responders and those affected by the tragic fires. 

FIRES

Cleveland County –– The Noble Fire continues to burn.  The Salvation Army of Central Oklahoma and Shawnee provided 180 breakfasts to first responders this morning.   The Salvation Army also served 580 meals at lunch and dinner in conjunction with Southern Baptist Disaster Relief. 

Oklahoma County – The Salvation Army participated in a One Stop Center, to provide assistance and information to individuals affected by the wildfire, with other relief organizations in Luther today.  The center will be open again on Monday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Luther High School Auditorium located at 178th & Luther Road.  The Salvation Army will continue to have a presence. 

Major Bea Boalt, Salvation Army Divisional Officer, was in Luther today.  Boalt states “Those who came in for assistance had devastating losses: loss of homes, belongings, pictures of their children and family members.  Many wished they had saved more “stuff;” however, all were thankful for life, for family members to take them in and for the community who is surrounding them with love and care.”

Payne County – The Salvation Army of Enid deployed this morning to Glencoe prepared to serve responders at that location.  Fortunately, the fire was largely contained and they were able to continue on to Cushing where they served breakfast to responders in the area.

Tulsa Area – The Salvation Army of Tulsa collected 14 pallets of bottled water and Gatorade for first responders and Oklahomans affected by the fires.  Major Jim Taylor, Tulsa Area Commander, said.
We were very gratified with the response, especially from community groups.  Tulsans really pitch in when there’s a need.”   Taylor said that more than a hundred cars brought the needed supplies to the Command from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.  He said he was particularly touched by firefighters from Brushy and Bixby who brought water for their fellow firefighters. "The volunteer fire department from Brushy filled a pick-up truck with bottled water and had shrink wrapped it so it wouldn't come apart during the ride," Taylor said.

The Salvation Army also coordinated with Emergency Management to deliver cots and blankets to the Mannford Command Post this afternoon.

Donations:
The Salvation Army is also working closely with VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster).  The Salvation Army will be accepting donations of water and Gatorade to distribute to those organizations active in response. They will once again accept donations at their warehouse located at 924 S. Hudson from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.   The Salvation Army will gather, sort, palletize, and then distribute donated items as needed to other organizations responding in the state.

Additionally, Feed The Children, a VOAD partner, will continue to accept donations of water and Gatorade at their warehouse and distribute to those organizations active in response.  Feed The Children will open their warehouse, located at 31 N. McCormick Avenue, at 8 a.m.  Monday and it will remain open until 5 p.m.  Feed the Children will gather, sort, palletize, and then distribute donated items as needed to other organizations responding in the state.

Financial donations are needed to support disaster relief efforts.  The Salvation Army asks those who want to help to visit disaster.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY and designate Oklahoma wildfires.  Monetary donations will ensure The Salvation Army can meet the most immediate needs of those impacted by disaster.  Donations can also be mailed to:  The Salvation Army, PO Box 12600, Oklahoma City, OK  73157.

The Salvation Army will stay involved for as long as they are needed.  Additional information will be provided as it is available.