Bringing Hope: One Step at a Time

CLEARWATER, FL (October 23, 2024) - When The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) team learned that a high-rise building in St. Petersburg had both its elevators knocked out during Hurricane Milton, they knew they had to act quickly. Residents of the 12-story building, many of whom were elderly or disabled, were left stranded without easy access to food and water.

Joining the EDS team were four dedicated students from the University of South Florida, who volunteered to climb the stairs of the building to deliver essential supplies. With their youthful energy, they were asked to scale the highest reaches of the building one step at a time in a sweltering concrete stairwell.

Volunteers from the local Salvation Army also played a crucial role, working alongside the students to bring meal boxes and cases of water to those in need. Together, they delivered 80 food boxes and 60 cases of water to the residents, ensuring that no one was left without support.

Anastasia, one of the student volunteers, shared, “I've only been here (St. Petersburg) for a couple of years, but I want to help. This is my new community,” she said. “I was telling all my friends, ‘we have to go do this. We can do homework later. This is more important.’”

Paige added, “We're young and we like to help people, why wouldn't we help?”

Vivian shares the sentiment, emphasizing the urgency of their mission. “It’s really important to help the people who live up there that can’t walk down and go to the grocery store,” she said. “If we have the ability, why shouldn't we help them?”

Whether it’s a high-rise building or a flooded apartment complex, The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services team has spent the past week tirelessly serving the Clearwater community. From feeding the hungry, to quenching the thirst of those in need, or offering emotional and spiritual care to anyone looking for a listening ear, The Salvation Army’s commitment goes beyond just meeting physical needs. Each member of the EDS team provides comfort and hope to people who are struggling to get back to normal.

The work of the EDS team and the dedication of these young volunteers is a reminder that even in the darkest times, there are always people who care.

James, drenched in sweat, summed up the spirit of the group: “It's just the right thing to do.”

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