Salvation Army On the Ground and Serving in Dayton, Ohio After EF3 Tornado
Thad Hicks | thad.hicks@use.salvationarmy.org
Dayton, OH - As the sun came up this morning over the Dayton, Ohio region, the actual impact of the overnight EF3 tornado was finally realized. The path of damage and debris left behind dozens of damaged structures, widespread injuries, and at least 2 deaths.
Crews from The Salvation Army were on the ground at first light assessing the damages of their facilities but also checking on neighbors and finding out what they could do to help. It was quickly realized that this was going to be a major event.
The SWONEKY Division currently has three canteens deployed to the Dayton Kroc Center for food service needs beginning with today's lunch and dinner. In addition to the Dayton Kroc canteen already on-site, canteens have been provided by Columbus Chapel at Worthington Woods, with a team, and DHQ, with a team from the Lexington Corps. According to Major Bob Klenk “These Salvation Army mobile feeding units can get into the areas and to the people who need help.”
The damages are still coming in, but The Salvation Army will continue to be there providing assistance. Major Klenk added, “We were in the community long before the storm, and will be here long after it’s all cleaned up.”
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.