Dallas, Texas (December 31, 2015) – The continued financial support of individuals and businesses is crucial to the continued success of the relief efforts of The Salvation Army following the recent tornadoes in the Dallas area. Several key corporate partners have already stepped forward to support the disaster response.
Albertsons was one of the first partners to pledge support, donating 18 pallets of water and 2 pallets of apples, oranges, and bananas. These supplies have helped to stock the mobile kitchens that have delivered meals and refreshment, along with emotional and spiritual care, to affected communities across the North Texas area.
The Texas weather has been typically unpredictable during December with temperatures hitting 80 degrees on Christmas Day, quickly followed by powerful storms, pouring rain, and cold temperatures only one day later resulting in the deadly tornadoes. Soles4Souls Inc., a not for profit global social enterprise committed to fighting poverty through the collection and distribution of shoes and clothing, donated winter coats to The Salvation Army. These children’s and adult coats will be available to storm survivors at the Multi Agency Resource Center in Garland and other assistance locations.
Triple G Group is a company, based in McKinney, Texas, that build custom smokers, operate catering services, and are very active in relief work. They have been providing delicious smoked BBQ in Rowlett for The Salvation Army mobile kitchens to serve as they roam through the affected areas. We are grateful to these dedicated young men for their support.
Finally, H-E-B grocery store will donate $50,000 to The Salvation Army and begin accepting customer donations for the families and communities affected by the recent tornadoes. All H-E-B and Central Market stores in North Texas have launched a tear pad campaign offering customers the opportunity to support disaster survivors by adding $1, $3, or $5 to their total grocery bill.
“H-E-B and Central Market have received numerous requests from customers about how they can help support victims and communities affected by the tornadoes that hit North Texas this past weekend,” said Winell Herron, group vice president of public affairs and diversity for H-E-B. “Our tear pad campaign offers a convenient and efficient way for our customers to make a difference in the lives of hundreds of families in need.”
While serving in Midlothian, Texas, one of the communities that experienced widespread damage, staff from the H-E-B Mobile Kitchen was very impressed with The Salvation Army response and particularly their clean up kits. A portion of the donation will be used to fund additional clean up kits.
“The Salvation Army is thankful for all of the support received from individual donors, corporations, and businesses to the disaster response efforts,” said Alvin Migues, Emergency Disaster Services Director for the Texas Division. “We are continuing to serve across the North Texas region both in fixed service locations and with mobile kitchens in affected areas. This is going to be a long and challenging recovery process for many people and The Salvation Army will be here to help.”
Since Saturday evening, December 26, The Salvation Army has served/provided:
• Meals – 5,339
• Drinks – 10,933
• Snacks – 10,970
• Clean up kits – 2,856
• Hygiene kits – 7,200
• Cases of water – 9,600
• Moving boxes – 2,400
• Coats - 198
Donations to support the ongoing Salvation Army response efforts can be made by texting STORM to 51555, or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY, or online at http://tsatx.org/floodandtornadorelief
If you are interested in learning more about The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) in Texas, or to become a local disaster volunteer, please visit: www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.
For the most up-to-date emergency disaster services news from The Salvation Army in Texas, please visit: www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org and follow latest updates on Twitter @SalArmyTXEDS and Facebook at www.facebook.com/SalArmyTXEDS.
About The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services:
“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.” While every disaster is unique and creates its own special needs, the core of The Salvation Army's disaster program consists of several basic services. And while these services address many of the typical needs of a disaster survivor, Salvation Army disaster relief is also flexible. Our services are adapted to the specific needs of individuals and communities and scalable according to the magnitude of the disaster.
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About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church 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.
February 5, 2010