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Hurricanes
DESTRUCTION FROM THE recent storms along the Gulf coast is seen in this photo from Florida. |
(TAMPA, FL) – Transitioning in some Florida communities from critical disaster relief to second-phase recovery, The Salvation Army announced plans to open multiple recovery assistance centers for Hurricane Charley, Frances and possible Ivan victims throughout the state. Each center will provide food, paper products, toiletries, baby care and other items, “clean-up kits,” bottled water and cash vouchers for perishable food or other needs based upon availability. Meanwhile The Salvation Army, which has served meals, sandwiches, snacks and drinks to well beyond one million disaster responders and victims in the Hurricane Frances outreach alone, is seeking to balance unprecedented challenges of three simultaneous operations. Salvation Army commands from the Florida Panhandle through southern Georgia to the Alabama coast made final preparations as Hurricane Ivan approached. As the powerful tropical system drifted west Monday on its foray into the Gulf of Mexico, The Salvation Army’s Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi Division recalled its personnel and equipment. Some of those teams have served in Florida since commencement of Hurricane Charley relief efforts. As anxiety besets beleaguered Florida residents, The Salvation Army is providing a toll-free emotional and spiritual support hotline. From 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., the service is available by calling 1-888-363-2769. Contributions may be directed to 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769); Salvation Army “Disaster Relief,” P.O. Box 270848, Tampa, FL 33688; online at www.salvationarmyflorida.org or any local Salvation Army office, marked “Disaster Relief.”