The Salvation Army Responds to Deadly Tornado in Elk City, Oklahoma
Cindy Fuller | cindy.fuller@uss.salvationarmy.org
The Salvation Army is on the ground in Elk City, located in Western Oklahoma, where a series of storms spawned eight tornadoes over the course of the evening. In Elk City, a tornado turned deadly causing one fatality, multiple injuries, and damaged or destroyed over 100 homes and businesses.
Major Ben Walters, Altus Oklahoma Command Officer, is on scene today with a canteen (mobile feeding unit) to provide food, hydration and emotional and spiritual care. Major Walters is coordinating with Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) partners, the Elk City Fire Department and emergency mangers to help meet the needs of the community. The Salvation Army will continue to work closely with the Incident Command and partner agencies to provide appropriate assistance moving forward.
Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
How to Help:
Monetary donations are the most critical need as supplies and personnel move into the area.
Online: disaster.salvationarmyusa.org
By Phone: Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (800-725-2769)
By Mail: Make checks payable to “The Salvation Army” and clearly marked “Elk City Tornado”.
The Salvation Army
PO Box 53068
Oklahoma City, OK 73152
Donations of Household Good and Clothing:
Due to the emergency, The Salvation Army cannot guarantee that any individual donations of household goods or clothing (gifts-in-kind) will be sent to the disaster area. In times of disaster, our stores fill these needs from existing, pre-sorted stock. PLEASE continue to donate gently-used household goods to your local Salvation Army store. You will help your community and help us prepare for future disaster relief needs. To find your nearest drop-off location, please go to www.satruck.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.