Lucky to Be Alive and Ready to Serve in Selma, AL
Michelle Hartfield | michelle.hartfield@uss.salvationarmy.org
As a division prone to hurricanes, The Salvation Army of Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi is well-practiced in disaster response. They were able to mobilize quickly after a devastating series of tornadoes made their way through Alabama on Thursday. Five units from across the division have been deployed to serve the area.
On Friday, smaller units roved through the affected neighborhood to distribute hot meals. In partnership with Alabama EOC, The Salvation Army is working to assess the areas of greatest need and how best to proceed with service.
The Salvation Army service center in Selma was not spared by the tornados and suffered damage to both the social services building and the family store. Service Director, Kathy Bunch, rode out the storm in the building with several employees.
“I’ve never heard anything like that in my life,” said Kathy. “I had my two ladies with me, and we were holding hands. We got on the floor and started praying so hard.”
With so much damage, the Selma Service Center is relying on disaster teams to help serve their community until power returns, and they see the full extend of the damage and move forward. Local employees are also working to assess their own homes. Kathy’s roof will need repair, but she was anxious to get back to work and serve others. “I feel very blessed to be alive.“
In times of disaster, The Salvation Army is a trusted responder. With the generous support of communities, The Salvation Army can meet immediate needs during disaster responses. The best way to help relief workers and those impacted by disasters is to make a financial contribution. Financial contributions allow disaster responders to immediately meet the specific needs of those impacted.
How to Help
The best way to help after a disaster is to make a financial donation.
- Donate Online: helpsalvationarmy.org
- Donate By Phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)
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.