Local Red Cross, Salvation Army Respond to Tornadoes
Posted
Staff Report-
The Kosciusko County Chapter of the American Red Cross stands ready to deploy its available trained volunteers to the tornado ravaged areas in the Midwest.
Salvation Army also is seeking donations to assist tornado victims.
The American Red Cross has opened 22 shelters in 11 states, with four of those set up in southern Indiana.
On Friday, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels officially declared a disaster emergency in 11 Indiana counties. In response, the American Red Cross set up four shelters in the tornado-stricken Hoosier communities.
The Kosciusko County Chapter has many trained volunteers who may be deployed to these areas and beyond.
“As heartbreaking as it is, this is what we are trained to do: to respond in the event of a disaster. We have many volunteers who’ve made themselves available for deployment locally and nationally,” said Kimberly Stout, Kosciusko Red Cross emergency services director. “Once we receive the request for deployments from our county, we will send all volunteers who are able to go.”
The Kosciusko County Chapter regularly trains community members who are interested in responding to local or national disasters. The next training session, called “Boot Camp”, will be March 17 at the Kosciusko County American Red Cross Chapter building at 320 N. Buffalo St., Warsaw. Training will begin at 8 a.m. and run through 5 p.m.
All those who are interested should call 574-267-5244 to register. All Red Cross disaster training is free of charge.
The Salvation Army continues it’s efforts to serve the victims of the tornadoes.
In Henryville, The Salvation Army is on scene with mobile feeding units providing food, hydration and emotional care to survivors and emergency responders.
The Salvation Army is prepared to serve up to 1,000 meals a day to those in need.
Major Steve Kiger, commanding officer on scene, has met with emergency management officials to determine what the Salvation Army’s role will be going forward.
The Salvation Army is continuing to provide up to 1,000 meals a day at the New Pekin Command post, and also up to 360 meals a day at the FEMA shelter at Silver Creek High School.
Snow has fallen on the area hampering the efforts of clean-up and response.
The quickest and easiest way to support the efforts of The Salvation Army as they serve survivors is to make a monetary donation.
People can make a donation online at http://donate.salvationarmyusa.org/storms, or call 800-SAL-ARMY, or make a $10 donation by texting “storm” to 80888, to confirm a gift, respond with the word “Yes.”
Gifts also may be payable to The Salvation Army and sent to the local address at P.O. Box 1257, Warsaw, IN 46581.
Mark “Tornado Relief” in the memo line, according to Ken Locke, community ministries coordinator.
Due to the high expense and time demands associated with delivering gently used household goods and clothing (gifts-in-kind), The Salvation Army cannot guarantee that any individual gifts-in-kind donated now will be sent to the disaster area.
In times of disaster, Salvation Army stores fill these needs from existing, pre-sorted stock.
By continuing to donate gently used household goods to the local Salvation Army store, people not only help their community, but can help prepare for future disaster relief needs.
To find the nearest drop-off location, visit www.satruck.org or call 800-SA-Truck.
