Decatur Corps supporting rescue personnel in search for 17 year old kayaker
Jon Kalahar | jon.kalahar@uss.salvationarmy.org | (601) 941-7779
The Decatur, Alabama Corps of The Salvation Army is aiding local first responders and search and rescue teams as they have been searching since Tuesday evening for a seventeen year old kayaker who is feared drowned.
Decatur Corps officer, Captain Becky Gilliam says 30-35 rescue personnel are searching the water and banks of the Tennessee River near Somerville, Alabama for any sign of the teen.
“Our purpose is to provide for the immediate needs of rescue workers so they can do what they need to help this young lady and her family,” said Captain Gilliam. “These first responders can stay on scene and do everything they can while The Salvation Army takes care of food and drinks.”
Captain Gilliam says so far she and her staff have provide meals, snacks and hydration for the search teams and law enforcement, and also, family members of the teen who are awaiting word.
“We will be here as long as the local police, fire and rescue teams are,” said Captain Gillianm.
The Decatur Chick-fil-A donated 45 chicken sandwiches to help The Salvation Army feed those helping to locate the teen.
You can donate to the Decatur Salvation Army by logging on to our website at www.salvationarmyalm.org/decatur.
About The Salvation ArmyThe 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.