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The Salvation Army, being part of the community, has provided food and support to the people of Newtown, Connecticut, USA, after 26 people – including 20 children – lost their lives in a gun attack at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
Southern New England divisional leaders, Majors Dave and Eunice Champlin, supported people who had lost loved ones at the evening vigil on Friday 14 December – the night of the shooting – along with divisional headquarters officers Majors Steven and Valerie Lopes, and Captain Todd Hughes (corps officer from neighbouring Danbury). Through the Newtown Service Unit, The Salvation Army offered food and emotional and spiritual care. Local agencies are currently providing counseling.
On Saturday a canteen from the New London Corps – about 80 miles east of Newtown – arrived to serve meals at the Sandy Hook Fire Department. The canteen was no longer required after Sunday but remains on stand-by, pending further need.
On Sunday evening Majors Champlin, representing The Salvation Army, joined other members of the clergy at a vigil attended by President Barack Obama.
