OETA Telethon Raises Funds for Salvation Army OK Tornado Relief

Oklahoma City, OK (June 4, 2013) – On Sunday, June 2, OETA broadcast a special night of programming with a companion telethon to raise more than $7,000 for The Salvation Army to help those affected by the tornadoes that have cause such devastation across the Oklahoma City area.

The evening’s host, Lt. Governor Todd Lamb said, “Even in the face of tragedy, I've never been more proud of our state. Witnessing Oklahomans helping Oklahomans, neighbors helping neighbors, strangers helping strangers--all without expecting anything in return, has been truly inspiring. The people of Moore continue to prove, they have that great Oklahoma spirit. But there are many other areas of our state which were affected by tornadoes, and they too are showing the true meaning of ‘The Oklahoma Standard.’ The Salvation Army is working with each of these areas to ensure that critical needs are met.”

“We are grateful to all OETA viewers who called or texted in their financial support Sunday evening to help the Salvation Army raise funds to benefit victims of the recent tornado disasters in Oklahoma,” said Dan Schiedel, OETA Executive Director. “Our viewers are extremely generous, and we cannot thank them enough for their support and the love they have shown to our Oklahoma families and friends.”

Callers donated more than $6,800 and $650 was raised by 65 viewers who texted STORM to 80888 for a $10 gift for a total of $7,450.

More than 20 Salvation Army officers and volunteers answered calls from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. during programming on the history of Moore, Okla., and an hour-long show featuring Oklahoma’s deadliest storms including the recent May 20th EF5 tornado.

“Communities are coming together and organizations like the Salvation Army are supplying storm victims with the most urgent needs, and soon, we will recover from this natural disaster, back and better than ever,” said Lt. Gov. Lamb. “As Oklahomans, our spirit is strong and our communities are resilient. Together, we will remain Oklahoma strong. May God bless you--and God bless the State of Oklahoma.”

Since May 19, 2013, The Salvation Army has provided 44,878 meals, 63,678 drinks, and 55,867 snacks, 22 Canteens (mobile feeding units), 3,668 Clean Up and 5,052 Comfort (hygiene) kits, and prayer with 7,218 persons. More than 12, 084 hours have been logged by volunteers, employees and officers.

UPDATES:
For the latest updates on The Salvation Army’s response to this disaster, there are many options to follow:

• disaster.SalvationArmyUSA.org
• www.salvationarmyaok.org
• Blog.SalvationArmyUSA.org
• www.youtube.com/salarmyeds
• http://salvationarmytoday.org

DONATIONS:
Monetary donations are the most critical need as supplies and personnel move into the areas of greatest need.

• Donors are encouraged to give online at www.SalvationArmyUSA.org or by calling
1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769).
• You can also text the word “STORM” to 80888 to make a $10 donation through your mobile phone; to confirm your gift, respond with the word “Yes.”*
• Checks may be made out to:
The Salvation Army Disaster Relief
PO BOX 2536
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Please designate “Oklahoma May Tornadoes” on all checks.

Your donations make a real difference.
• A $10 donation feeds a disaster survivor for one day.
• A $30 donation provides one food box, containing staple foods for a family of four, or one household cleanup kit, containing brooms, mops, buckets and other cleaning supplies.
• A $100 donation can serve snacks and drinks for 125 survivors and emergency personnel at the scene of a disaster.
• A $250 donation can provide one hot meal to 100 people or keep a hydration station operational for 24 hours.
• A $500 donation keeps a Salvation Army canteen (mobile feeding unit) fully operational for one day.

In-Kind:
• Corporations, foundations and others interested in donating to The Salvation Army response effort should contact Lanita Lloyd at Lanita_Lloyd@uss.salvationarmy.org or 404-728-1300 ext. 10680.
• Due to the high expense and time demands associated with delivering your gently used household goods and clothing (gifts-in-kind), The Salvation Army cannot guarantee that any individual gifts-in-kind donated will be sent to the disaster area. In times of disaster, our stores fill these needs from existing, pre-sorted stock. By continuing to donate gently used household goods to your local Salvation Army store, you not only help your community, you help us prepare for future disaster relief needs. To find your nearest drop-off location, please visit www.satruck.org.

VOLUNTEERS:
Those interested in volunteering with The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services should register at www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.
• Please note that disaster service training is a prerequisite for volunteering in a disaster zone and not all registered volunteers will be called on to serve.
• There are some direct-service volunteer opportunities available with The Salvation Army’s Oklahoma tornado response. Individuals or groups interested in helping provide assistance to Oklahomans affected by these storms may view and register for available opportunities by visiting www.VolunteerCentralOklahoma.org. Under “Find Volunteer Opportunities,” search for “Salvation Army Disaster.” You can reach our Volunteer Coordinator at 405-620-2027 or SalArmyOKTornadoVolunteer@gmail.com.

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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 a broad 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 T-Mobile. 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.