The Salvation Army Responds to Christmas Day Storms

Mobile, Ala (December 25, 2012) –  For the second time in less than a week, The Salvation Army of Coastal Alabama is preparing to deploy its mobile feeding unit to neighborhoods affected by tornadic activity.   Throughout Christmas Day a line of severe weather moved steadily throughout the Gulf South. Around Five O’Clock this evening, a tornado was reported in central portions of Mobile, Ala. Initial reports indicate that a “wedge” tornado struck neighborhoods near Murphy High School and the Medical District.

One mobile feeding unit from The Salvation Army of Coastal Alabama has been prepared to provide mass feeding, hydration, and pastoral care to affected areas once storms pass. With more storms expected in the area until around 3 A.M. on Wednesday, The Salvation Army will continue to monitor the need for additional disaster response units on Wednesday morning.

Additionally, The Salvation Army will staff a desk at the Alabama Emergency Operations Center beginning at 4 A.M. on Wednesday.

Due to reports of widespread damage and power outages coupled with the continuing severe weather throughout the evening, The Salvation Army’s Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi Division has placed all disaster units on alert for possible response. All units in the three states are prepared to respond as needed throughout the evening and into the morning.

“This Christmas will find The Salvation Army providing care and compassion to Mississippi residents just as we do each day of the year. We will continue to provide an act of God in serving those affected by these storms,” stated Bill Feist, Emergency Disaster Services Director for The Salvation Army. “ Our hope is that through the love of Christ the emotional and physical scars can begin to heal.”

Donations are always needed to offset the costs of services to storm victims. Please visit www.salvationarmyalm.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY to donate. All donations for disaster services will be used for the designated purpose.  For additional updates please follow us at www.twitter.com/salarmyalm.

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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.