The Salvation Army Supports Responders During Boston Manhunt

For continued updates and more information from The Salvation Army, please visit blog.salvationarmyusa.org, Facebook or Twitter. 

Updates

The Salvation Army is providing support to law enforcement and other first responders in Watertown, Massachusetts, as a manhunt is underway for the remaining suspect of the explosions that occurred at the Boston Marathon on April 15.

• Since 3:00AM ET, five Salvation Army canteens (mobile feeding units) have been deployed to the Command Center, which has been established in a mall parking lot in the Boston suburb of Watertown.

• Overall, The Salvation Army is serving an estimated crowd of 1,000 law enforcement responders with meals, snacks and drinks.

• Twelve Salvation Army officers, staff and volunteers that have been trained in disaster response are serving on the scene.  Many of these people also provided services to survivors and first responders immediately following the bombings during the Boston Marathon.

• Salvation Army officers, trained in crisis counseling, are on hand to provide emotional and spiritual care as the situation unfolds.

• As of 10:00am ET, The Salvation Army has served 1,100 meals, drinks and snacks. 

• Since Monday, April 15, The Salvation Army has served 6,000 items to survivors and first responders in Boston.

• The Salvation Army is in constant communication with city and state emergency personnel, and will continue to provide support as needed and requested.

The Salvation Army is extremely gratified for the continued support of the public.

• At this time, the best way to be of assistance is to make a financial contribution at www.salvationarmyma.org/marathonrelief.

• Personnel trained in crisis response are providing service. If you would like to volunteer for future needs or to be trained in disaster response, please visit www.salvationarmyusa.org. 

Salvation Army Statements

Major Ron Busroe, National Community Relations & Development Secretary

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Boston and Boston law enforcement. The Salvation Army prays for a safe conclusion to the events that led us here today.”

Paul Leslie, Emergency Disaster Services, Massachusetts Division

“Just as we have been doing all week long, we are here to help the first responders and survivors of this terrible tragedy. Today, we are here to serve those who rush in when others are going the other direction. We will stay on scene as long as we are needed.”

###

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.