The Salvation Army Responding to Las Vegas Tragedy and Disaster in Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands
THE SALVATION ARMY RESPONDING WITH EMONTIONAL AND SPIRITUAL CARE, FOOD AND HYDRATION AFTER
LAS VEGAS TRAGEDY
Encouraging people to donate life-saving blood
LAS VEGAS (Oct. 2, 2017) – The Salvation Army Southern Nevada is providing emotional and spiritual care to those affected by the tragic mass shooting in Las Vegas.
"Salvation Army Clark County Coordinator Major Randy Kinnamon has mobilized our Southern Nevada corps officers to area hospitals to offer emotional and spiritual care. Social Services Director Phillip Hollon is also working with local first responders to determine other ways in which we can help," said Lt. Col. Kelly Pontsler, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army's Southwest Division.
We ask that everyone please pray for the families and friends of those who have lost their lives or were injured, as well as the first responders and Salvation Army officers and employees who are serving and ministering to the community."
The Salvation Army has officers on-site providing emotional and spiritual support at the two hospitals where the vast majority of victims are being treated: UMC Hospital, which is currently on lockdown, and Sunrise Hospital. There are also Salvation Army officers at Spring Valley Hospital and St. Rose Hospital, where other victims are being treated.
Major Kinnamon reports that there is a tremendous need for life-saving blood donations, and people are encouraged to give at the Labor Health & Welfare Clinic, at 7135 W. Sahara, or any United Blood Services location: unitedbloodservices.org/lv.
The Salvation Army has dispatched a mobile canteen to the United Blood Services location at 6930 W. Charleston Blvd. to provide food and hydration for those waiting in long lines to donate. Mobile canteens are also being considered at other strategic locations in the city.
Needs are also being evaluated at the Thomas and Mack Center, which has be opened up as a shelter.
Help Continues Despite Shortages:
The Salvation Army fights to serve Puerto Rico & U.S. Virgin Islands
The charity shifts into overdrive to provide resources and care in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria & Irma.
In one of the worst Hurricane seasons in a decade, The Salvation Army is unwavering in its continued efforts to serve those affected by the storms. For Hurricane Irma and Maria, which obliterated much of Puerto Rico's and the U.S. Virgin Islands' infrastructure, The Salvation Army overcomes supply chain challenges to ensure priority needs are met. Last week, The Salvation Army shipped to the areas of greatest need:
– 112,680 bottles of water
– 6,720 meals ready to eat
– 2 pallets of tarps
– 5 cases of water filtration
– 4,530 snacks ready to eat
– 1,000 cases of organic baby food
"We have truly turned a corner to persevere and deliver hope and help to our neighbors in need," said Michael Orfitelli, Territorial Coordinator of Emergency Disaster Services. "We are grateful for the continued generosity of our donors and partners. These gifts provide food, supplies, and emotional and spiritual care to those affected by the devastating weather events."
Some key updates for Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands are (as of 9.29.17):
• In Puerto Rico
o The Salvation Army continues to fight to meet the needs of San Juan, Loiza, Fajardo, Humacao, Guayama, Ponce, Areciro, Mayaguez, Penuelas, and Caguas.
o In total, nearly 273,400 meals and snacks have been distributed to those in need since the impact of Hurricane Irma.
• In St. Thomas
o In St. Thomas, The Salvation Army has partnered with the Dutch Reform Church to serve almost 72,000 meals and snacks, along with delivering food, water, and supply boxes to the poorest communities on the Island. These resources are delivered to nursing homes, one skilled care facility, and shelters of the American Red Cross and Catholic Charities.
o In St. Thomas, The Salvation Army is serving nearly 6,000 families daily.
• In St. John
o The Salvation Army is partnering with a local cafe to serve 1,200 families each day.
• In St. Croix
o The Salvation Army is serving nearly 1,000 families each day.
With a permanent footprint in the affected communities, The Salvation Army Disaster Services will continue to provide assistance until the need is met and beyond.
How People Can Help
Response efforts to this hurricane and flooding are expected be costly and last for years. The best way to help after a disaster is to make a financial donation.
Online:
helpsalvationarmy.org
Donate By Phone:
1-800-SAL-ARMY
Text to Give:
STORM to 51555
Mail Checks – ** Please designate "Hurricane 2017" on all checks.
The Salvation Army
PO Box 1959
Atlanta, GA 30301