Union, NJ (November 2, 2012) - With residents across New Jersey still feeling the effects of Hurricane Sandy, The Salvation Army continues to provide essential services to those in dire need.
The Salvation Army set its Emergency Disaster Services teams on alert last Thursday in preparation of this devastating storm to respond as soon as requested by local authorities. It was because of this preparation that The Salvation Army was able to have units in place before the storm made landfall and has been serving the people of New Jersey affected since. To date The Salvation Army of New Jersey has served over 32,000 meals, 27,000 snacks, 27,000 bottles of water, and countless cups of coffee to first responders and shelter residents. The Salvation Army has also provided over 1,060 changes of cloths to shelter residents across the state.
In the midst of the Hurricane, water rose too quickly at a shelter in Union Beach and The Salvation Army was not able to move it mobile canteen serving at this location. This response vehicle was damaged and the engine destroyed from the seawater. This canteen will need to be replaced as soon as possible.
As a part of its response force, The Salvation Army has 7 operational mobile feeding canteens, 6 Salvation Army locations open for community feeding, 6 off site non-shelter feeding locations, and has been serving meals at 16 shelter locations in 12 counties. These services are being provided through the efforts of Salvation Army volunteers, officers, and staff. It is through the generous donations of the public that services such as these can be provided not only in times of crisis, but year round.
The Salvation Army asks people who want to help those affected by this disaster to visit www.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769). Donors may also contribute $10 via their phone bill by text messaging the word STORM to 80888, and confirming the donation with the word, “Yes.”* At this point, in-kind donations, such as used clothing and used furniture, are not being accepted for hurricane relief. However, these items are vital to supporting the day-to-day work of your local Salvation Army. Please consider giving these items to your local Salvation Army Family Store or dial 1-800-SA-TRUCK (1-800-728-7825). Checks may be made out to The Salvation Army Disaster Services Center, PO BOX 1959 Atlanta, GA 30301. Please designate “2012 Hurricane Season” on all checks.
For more information on The Salvation Army’s response to Hurricane Sandy, please visit http://blog.salvationarmyusa.org/, www.facebook.com/salvationarmyusa or www.twitter.com/salvationarmyus.
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About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for more than 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar The Salvation Army spends is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.
*A one-time donation of $10 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. Message & Data Rates May Apply. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. Service is available on Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint and TMobile. By participating you certify that you agree to the terms and conditions, that you are 18 yrs. or older, or have parental permission, and have authorization from the account holder. Donations are collected for the benefit of The Salvation Army by the Innovative Giving Foundation and subject to the terms found at igfn.org/t. Privacy policy: igfn.org/p. Text STOP to 80888 to stop; Text HELP to 80888 for help.