A United Salvation Army Helps Georgia in Hurricane Matthew Aftermath
SAVANNAH, GA (October 15, 2016) — The Salvation Army was ready. Long before Hurricane Matthew approached the southeastern coast of the U.S., The Salvation Army was mobilizing to respond aggressively and to serve compassionately those who would be impacted.
Working with state and local officials, The Salvation Army tracked Hurricane Matthew closely, so personnel and resources could be placed when and where they would do the most good.
At the height of relief operations, The Salvation Army served more than 120,000 meals, 150,000 snacks and 125,000 drinks in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas. However, relief work continues and The Salvation Army will serve as long as there is need and resources to do so.
In Georgia, The Salvation Army enlisted 21 mobile feeding kitchens (canteens) and a field kitchen supplied by Texas Division to deliver food, drinks, and spiritual care to those impacted across the state by Hurricane Matthew. Five canteens from the Alabama-Louisiana-Mississippi Division partnered seamlessly with sixteen canteens from the Georgia Division in relief efforts. Over 41,000 prepared meals, 36,000 drinks, and 97,000 snacks were served, and over 800 people were helped with emotional and spiritual care.
"We are very grateful for the support we have received from the local communities," said Divisional Commander, Major Charles Powell. "In terms of volunteers, materials needed in support of the services we provide, and financial contributions; all those combined together have enabled us to serve the needs of the people in our communities."
Georgia canteens responding to Hurricane Matthew relief efforts included units from Albany, Americus, Atlanta Red Shield, Bainbridge, Carrolton, Columbus, Covington, Elberton, Evangeline Booth College, Gainesville, Lawrenceville, Macon, Savannah, St. Marys, and Valdosta.
"The response from the public is great, but the need continues," said John Zanders, Director of Development for The Salvation Army of Georgia. "We will stay for as long as necessary, until the last person in need of assistance receives help" he added with a note of encouragement and confidence.
How You Can Help
The best way to help after a disaster is to make a financial donation. Monetary donations allow disaster responders to immediately meet the specific needs of disaster survivors as the situation continues to be assessed.
- Donate Online: http://give.salvationarmyusa.org/hurricane_matthew
- Donate By Mail: The Salvation Army PO BOX 1959 Atlanta, GA 30301.
Please designate ‘Hurricane Matthew' on all checks - Donate By Phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)
- Donate By Text: Text STORM to 51555 to receive a donation link for easy mobile giving
Whether providing a hot meal and a word of encouragement in the middle of disaster, helping someone have a happier holiday season, or lifting someone out of the depths of addiction and the road to a better life, The Salvation Army knows all things are possible with God.
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About the Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar spent is used to carry out those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.