The Salvation Army Responding in Aftermath of Tornadoes
Cynthia (Cindy) Fuller | cindy_fuller@uss.salvationarmy.org
March 26, 2015 – Oklahoma City, OK - The Salvation Army of Arkansas and Oklahoma is providing emergency disaster response in metro areas of Oklahoma City and Tulsa as a result of tornadoes that touched down on Wednesday evening, March 25.
Central Oklahoma Area Command
Major Carlyle Gargis, Central Oklahoma Area Commander, reports the Central Oklahoma Area Command is serving responders, survivors and those helping with clean-up at Southgate Elementary and the surrounding area in Moore. The Salvation Army is providing food, water and spiritual care for first responders and those affected. Over 200 meals, 250 snacks and 300 drinks have been served in Moore today.
Tulsa Metropolitan Area Command
Major James Taylor, Tulsa Metropolitan Area Commander, reports the Tulsa Area Command canteen (mobile feeding unit) arrived on scene in Sand Springs at the River Oaks Mobile Home Park yesterday evening soon after the deadly tornado had passed. The Salvation Army served throughout the night providing food, hydration as well as (emotional and spiritual care). Over 325 meals, and nearly 1,000 snacks and drinks have been served.
The Tulsa County Sherriff Department’s Incident Commander, Major Tom Huckeby states “The Salvation Army is a critical part of our response team. Providing food and water to our first responders and volunteers makes it easier for us to do our jobs. Not only do you provide food and water to these residents who have lost so much, you also provide hope. You can’t measure that.”
Donations are always needed to offset the costs of services to storm victims. Please visit: www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY to donate. All donations for disaster services will be used for the designated purpose. Additional updates will be posted at www.twitter.com/SalArmyAOk, www.facebook.com/SalArmyAOK, and www.twitter.com/SalArmyAOKEDS.
The Salvation Army Mission Statement:
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army, established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 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 spent is used to carry out those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.
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.