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(Memphis, TN) May 11, 2011 – The Salvation Army responded immediately following major tornado activity in the southern United States, serving the immediate needs of survivors by providing food, beverages, emotional/spiritual care, and other necessities.
As the winds lost their strength, communities throughout the South were left to face yet another disaster: floods. The storms’ rains have pushed southern rivers to historic levels. As cities flood and people are displaced, The Salvation Army will continue to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
The following information represents the Southern Territory’s fifteen states and the District of Columbia.
• The Salvation Army has served 200,000+ hot meals, 456,000+ sandwiches, snacks & drinks.
• The Salvation Army has provided 54 Mobile Feeding Units (Canteens), 1 Field Kitchen, capable of producing 20,000 hot meals per day, 1 Shower Unit, and 2 Satellite Communications trailers.
• The Salvation Army has ministered through its Pastoral Care to 9,000+ individuals.
• The Salvation Army has begun helping with emergency Social Services in several locations.
• Salvation Army officers, employees and volunteers have served a total of 52,000+ hours.
“This is the first time since Katrina that The Salvation Army has had all of its divisions of the fifteen Southern United States Territory activated in relief efforts or on stand-by to serve,” states Southern Territory Disaster Director Jeff Jellets.
Since April 25th, The Salvation Army of Memphis has been meeting with Emergency Management of Shelby County, TN and partnering agencies to meet immediate needs and to determine a long term recovery plan. “The Salvation Army is prepared to serve until we are no longer needed. It is a privilege and our mission to serve and be the hands and feet of Christ to those in need,” states Memphis Area Commander, Major Mark Woodcock. To date, the Memphis Area Command disaster response has provided over 4,000 hot meals and over 10,000 snacks and drinks. At this time, Salvation Army Mobile Feeding Units (canteens) from Memphis and Jackson, TN, and Owensboro, KY are serving in those areas affected by the flooding.
