First Responders and Survivors in West, Texas, Receive Ongoing Support from The Salvation Army

Dallas, TX (April 18, 2013) – As day break arrived the enormity of the task facing first responders in West, Texas, became apparent following the massive fertilizer plant explosion that devastated the city.

Despite overnight pouring rain and rapidly dropping temperatures, The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster response teams have worked tirelessly since the early hours of Thursday morning to provide support to survivors and local law enforcement as search and rescue teams checked houses and apartments throughout the city of only 2,800 residents for survivors.

Five Salvation Army Disaster Canteens (mobile kitchens) from various locations in North Central Texas, each with the capacity to feed up to 2,500 meals each day, were strategically positioned in the area; at the West Community Center, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Command Post and two units at the Emergency Operations Center, closest to the blast site.

Major Dan Ford, Incident Commander for The Salvation Army, said, “The Salvation Army is working hard to support the first responders and citizens of West, with food and spiritual counseling services. We lift up our hearts with the prayers of our fellow Texans for the hurting of this tight knit community.”

Since arriving in West, The Salvation Army has provided 1,623 hot and cold meals, 1,211 drinks (coffee, soda, juice and water) and 442 snacks. This assistance will continue for the foreseeable future as The Salvation Army is committed to supporting the residents of this community as they return to their homes and begin rebuilding their lives.

Alvin Migues, Emergency Disaster Services Director for The Salvation Army in Texas commented, “The Salvation Army counts it a privilege to be able to serve the people of West and first responders involved in this tragedy and we pray for everyone involved. We look forward to helping wherever possible with continued food service, emotional and spiritual care, and prayer.”

The Salvation Army is unable to accept in kind donations at this time. By far the most effective way to support The Salvation Army response in West, Texas, is by making a financial contribution:
• MAIL – please send checks to The Salvation Army, PO Box 36607, Dallas, TX 75235
• PHONE at 1-800-SAL-ARMY
• ONLINE at www.salvationarmytexas.org

For more information about The Salvation Army’s disaster response effort, please go to www.Facebook.com/SalvationArmyTexas, www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org, or www.salvationarmytexas.org.

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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.