Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
In the wake of what is being called one of the worst national disasters in U.S. history, The Salvation Army has launched one of the largest emergency disaster services relief efforts in the organization's history.
"The first group of Army volunteers from Indiana has been sent," said Ken Locke of the Warsaw Salvation Army. "We will be sending second and third waves of people. They'll really be needed in the months ahead."
Locke cautioned people against "taking off in their truck. Go through a recognized agency. The hotels are full; the campgrounds are full. There's no place to stay and thousands of people with no home to go to."
Volunteer applications are available, through Locke or the Salvation Army Web site. People with medical backgrounds or with food service experience are needed the most.
According to a press release, the Salvation Army is providing relief to residents and first responders in Hattiesburg, Miss., Mobile, Ala., and New Orleans, La. Additional Salvation Army emergency disaster services vehicles (canteens) are staged in surrounding areas and are prepared to be deployed to other affected areas once emergency management officials determine it safe.
The Army is prepared to serve 500,000 meals a day as well as provide emotional and spiritual support to those trying to recover from Katrina's destruction.
Salvation Army centers in Mobile and New Orleans have become safe havens to 500 people who were evacuated due to the storms. The Salvation Army is providing shelter and food to evacuees, many of whom have nowhere else to go since the storm annihilated countless homes in its destructive path. Salvation Army canteens are serving hot meals to residents and First Responders throughout Mobile and in Hattiesburg.
More than 250 Salvation Army volunteers, employees and officers will provide aid from at least 100 canteens that will each be able to provide up to 5,000 meals a day. The Salvation Army has staged its two 54-foot mobile kitchens in Baton Rouge, La., and Mobile. They will be moved to other affected areas once emergency responders determine safe locations.
The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network provides information about evacuees to anxious family members. In one day, SATERN received more than 600 health and welfare requests. Health and welfare inquiry forms may be found at www.salvationarmyusa.org
A $100 donation will feed a family of four for two days, provide two cases of drinking water, and one household clean-up kit.
Monetary donations may be sent to the local Salvation Army - P.O. Box 175, Warsaw, IN 46581. Write "Disaster Relief" in the memo space. Electronic donations can be made on the Internet at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 800-SAL-ARMY.
For more information, call Locke at 574-267-5361, Ext 22.
