The Salvation Army responds to devastating tornado outbreak

For more than 150 years, The Salvation Army has kept “others” at the forefront in providing relief for those in need. That manifested once again on Friday, Dec. 10 after a potent weather system left destruction in its wake across Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee and Missouri with a single tornado reportedly tracking a path of more than 100 miles. Following the impact, The Salvation Army launched a wide-ranging disaster services response.

In Kentucky and Tennessee, trained personnel are actively assessing damage and working closely with state and local authorities. Equipment was deployed from Nashville, Tennessee to Bowling Green, Kentucky, complete with mobile canteens that began meal service on Saturday, Dec. 11. In addition, meals and drinks are being served in Dawson Springs, Kentucky, with a Salvation Army team on the ground in Ohio County, Kentucky to serve first responders and displaced residents. The Salvation Army is also coordinating with local outlets in Mayfield, Kentucky, determining the optimal response in what is believed to be the hardest hit community by the storm’s path.

"The Salvation Army has a long history of serving in disasters, from localized tornadoes or flooding to long-term responses after 9/11 and Katrina,” said Major Art Penhale, Divisional Commander for the Kentucky and Tennessee Division. “We have always been where the need is, and there is need today and in the coming days from these storms.”

An incident management team is also in route to coordinate the response in Jonesboro, Arkansas, with The Salvation Army partnering with Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief to feed those in impacted areas. The Jonesboro Corps is deploying a rapid response unit, providing snacks, drinks, and emotional and spiritual care for first responders and residents.

You can help now by donating online at www.HelpSalvationArmy.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY and designating "December 2021 Tornado Outbreak (Arkansas, Kentucky & Tennessee)" with your gift. Monetary donations will ensure The Salvation Army can meet the most immediate needs of those impacted. The Salvation Army uses 100% of all disaster donations to support disaster relief. For the latest Salvation Army disaster information, visit www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.