The Salvation Army Continues to Serve Following Tragic Parkland Shooting
Alyse Gossman | alyse.gossman@uss.salvationarmy.org
Broward County, FL – The Salvation Army of Broward and Palm Beach Counties continue to serve in the aftermath of the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
Immediately following the shooting, Majors Keath and Candice Biggers, Fort Lauderdale Area Commanders, reported to the Broward County’s Emergency Operations Center to help assess community needs and offer The Salvation Army’s assistance. Mobile feeding units from Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach were deployed to serve water, coffee, and emotional and spiritual care to first responders last evening.
The Salvation Army met this morning with community officials at the Parkland Recreation and Enrichment Center to coordinate efforts to be offered throughout the day. A prayer vigil to honor the victims is scheduled this evening at the same location. The Salvation Army mobile feeding units will be on hand prior to the vigil to deliver meals, drinks and snacks. Additionally, Salvation Army Officers, staff and volunteers from Ft. Lauderdale Area Command will be available during and after the vigil offering emotional and spiritual care.
Major Keath Biggers is coordinating with local officials to address the needs of the community as they arise.
“We have seen first hand the pain and sorrow in the community, and we grieve with them,” said Major Keath Biggers. “We are ready to help the community in whatever capacity needed.”
In 2016, only a few hours away from Parkland, The Salvation Army supported families and responders following the tragedy at The Pulse Nighclub. Over the course of three weeks volunteers, staff and emotional and spiritual care specialists provided financial assistance as well as food and beverages to survivors, families and emergency responders. The foundation of The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services is to provide hope in times of crisis and right now The Salvation Army world-wide is surrounding Parkland and all of Broward County with thoughts and prayers. The Salvation Army will continue to serve survivors and families as they seek to recover from this senseless tragedy.
For additional information on The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services, log on to www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.
About The Salvation Army
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.