Sevierville Salvation Army Sets Up Center for First Responders in Pigeon Forge
Eric Short | eric.short@uss.salvationarmy.org | (502) 777-6640
(Wears Valley, TN) – The Salvation Army of Sevierville has partnered with local volunteers and the Pigeon Forge Fire Department to setup a rehab center at the Pigeon Forge High School cafeteria for first responders fighting the Wears Valley area wildfires. Lt. Melissa Melching said, “The rehab center is a place where first responders can go to eat, get medical supplies, relax, get cleaned up, and stock up on supplies.”
On Thursday, the Salvation Army provided 625 meals, 1,500 snacks, 2,150 bottles of water, and 1,575 Gatorades to first responders.
Adam Linsenbigler, Chaplain and Support Services Commander for the Seymour Volunteer Fire Department, expressed his gratitude for Lt. Melching and the Sevierville Salvation Army. “I was tasked with leading the Rehab units for the Hatcher Mountain/Indigo Lane fire in Sevier County. As the fire grew, so did our response, which required more supplies and more help. I had the privilege of meeting Lt. Melissa Melching and her team. She was very attentive and fit right into our team. Her knowledge, dedication and organization were a key to our success. She worked tirelessly the first night into the morning before finally taking a short time to nap. She is a huge asset to have on our team," said Linsenbigler.
According to Melching, the rehab facility will be in place until at least next week continuing to serve first responders.
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.