''No Power Means No Food -Thank you for Coming to Florida''
Shelley Henderson | shelley.henderson@uss.salvationarmy.org
Jacksonville, FL (September 14, 2017)—Power has been out in areas of northeast Florida since Hurricane Irma ripped through the state earlier in the week. Refrigerated food has gone bad and has to be thrown out; in outlying areas where water comes from wells, water is scarce.
Immediately after the storm, two canteens from Jacksonville, Florida began serving people in communities impacted by the storm. This morning a caravan of mobile feeding kitchens (canteens) and crews of food service workers and emotional and spiritual care workers from North and South Carolina joined their efforts, equipped with food, water, and the love of Jesus Christ. The mission of each canteen crew is to fill the bellies of disaster survivors with the nourishment to help them rebuild their communities and their hearts with words of hope and encouragement.
One Salvation Army canteen was stationed in the fire station parking lot in Crescent City, a very small town located in Putnam County. Shortly after the canteen rolled up cars began to fill the parking lot. Within minutes, more than 40 people were in line to receive food and water.
“We are so grateful for you guys being here,” said Bobby Highfill, a community volunteer serving at the fire station. “We are a small town so sometimes we are forgotten. No power means no food. Thank you to The Salvation Army for being here.”
Storm surge caused flooding in northeast Florida and there is ongoing concern about additional river flooding. The Salvation Army, through close coordination with emergency management officials, will remain, continuing its work to meet the immediate needs to people impacted by Hurricane Irma.
“Our immediate focus is giving people food, water, and hope,” said Major Rob Vincent, area commander of The Salvation Army of Northeast Florida. “In the days, weeks, and months ahead, the immediate needs of the community may be different, but The Salvation Army will still be here giving help and hope.”
Currently, The Salvation Army has 56 canteens serving throughout the state of Florida. Each canteen has the capacity to serve 1,500 meals a day.
Storm surge caused flooding in northeast Florida and there is ongoing concern about additional river flooding. The Salvation Army, through close coordination with emergency management officials, will remain, continuing its work to meet the immediate needs to people impacted by Hurricane Irma.
“Our immediate focus is giving people food, water, and hope,” said Major Rob Vincent, area commander of The Salvation Army of Northeast Florida. “In the days, weeks, and months ahead, the immediate needs of the community may be different, but The Salvation Army will still be here giving help and hope.”
Currently, The Salvation Army has 56 canteens serving throughout the state of Florida. Each canteen has the capacity to serve 1,500 meals a day.
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.