Stranded (Salvation Army) Lieutenant preparing meals for hotel guests

January 29, 2014
Christopher Priest | chris_priest@uss.salvationarmy.org | (678) 485-4735

By CASSANDRA MICKENS / Associate Editor Shelby County Reporter Newspaper (Used with permission)

Lt. Jamie Leonard (Shelby County, AL) will cook meals for stranded motorists at a Birmingham hotel tonight after Tuesday’s winter storm swept through the metro area, paralyzing traffic and leaving motorists stranded.

Leonard was stuck on Interstate 65 South until 2 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29, and made it to a hotel at about 2:30 a.m. The hotel had one room available upon Leonard’s arrival.

“She is going to have to stay tonight [Wednesday], as well, because the roads are still full of ice and abandoned cars, said Leonard’s husband, Lt. Brian Leonard who is recovering from recent surgery. “So tonight, she is cooking and serving a free meal to all of the hotel folks that have been stranded because of the weather. The hotel has given her permission and the use of their kitchen and equipment to do this.”

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The Salvation Army annually helps more than 30 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit www.SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.