Salvation Army Participates in Multi-Agency Resource Centers in Northeast Arkansas

Jonesboro, Arkansas (December 20, 2021) The Salvation Army of Arkansas-Oklahoma is participating in Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs) in two different locations in Northeast Arkansas where hundreds of homes have been impacted by a series of historic tornadoes.  A MARC provides a central location for representatives from government, nonprofit, and faith-based disaster relief organizations to answer questions, provide information, and disaster-related assistance.

“This has proven to be a very devastating disaster for many in Northeast Arkansas.  It’s difficult yet emotionally rewarding to visit with each person who comes to our table seeking assistance.  They have lost homes, animals, jobs, and more due to the tornadoes that hit December 10,” shared Susan Beam, from Fort Smith, Arkansas.  “Hearing the heart-breaking stories of survival, loss, and love is overwhelming.  Many have lost everything yet are still hopeful some small something might be saved from the rubble.”  Beam is grateful she can come support survivors and offer comfort during this traumatic time leading right into Christmas.  Beam recalls listening to the lady whose son was in a tragic accident prior to the storm and is on life support and is now raising her two granddaughters, who lost everything but still has faith in God that all will be well.  She said, “I’ve always known God will provide in some way and the way that is needed.”

Laurie Fried, Divisional Director of Emergency Disaster Services for the Arkansas-Oklahoma Division, serves on the board of the Arkansas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster.  She was very involved in helping to establish the MARCs.  Fried has been involved in disaster response and recovery for many years.   She states “it’s very humbling to be serving disaster clients during Christmas. A disaster any time is hard, but right before Christmas is especially hard for families.  Being able to offer much needed financial assistance on behalf of The Salvation Army brings them some sense of peace right before Christmas.”

To date, the following dates and times for MARCs have been announced:

 December 20

11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Leachville Gymnasium

205 E. 11th

Leachville, Arkansas

 December 21

11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

First Baptist Church

1301 Arkansas 69

Truman, Arkansas

Monetary donations are still needed and can be made at www.helpsalvationarmy.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY to support response efforts. For the latest Salvation Army disaster information please go to www.disaster.salvationarmy.org and watch for regular updates on our social media pages at www.facebook.com/salvationarmyaok/ and www.twitter.com/salarmyeds and www.twitter.com/SalArmyAOKEDS.