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The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) in Sidney, New York, responded to a major fire at Milford United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 11. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but is believed to have been started in the kitchen in the attached recreational center.
Emergency responders handed out 75 cups of coffee, 52 bottles of water and 60 snacks to first responders throughout the night. The EDS team served onsite for four hours
The Empire State Division donated 100 Bibles to the church to replace those lost during the fire. The Army is currently working with area churches to help with the church’s intent to hold services this coming Sunday.
“We have offered assistance with [emotional and spiritual care] if needed and are working…to help with the church’s intent to hold services this coming Sunday,” said Michael Schwartz, Divisional Disaster Services Director.
The Sidney EDS team is based out of a service extension unit and made up of 30 community members. It is the only service unit-based canteen within the division.
“They are a model of the best that EDS can do in a service unit area, at least within our division,” Schwartz said.
