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As the tragic situation continues to unfold, The Salvation Army remains at the scene of the Utah mining disaster.
Since Aug. 9, 2007, the Army’s Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) team from Salt Lake City has served thousands of meals to emergency workers and volunteers responding to the trapped miners, as well as offering emotional and spiritual care. Gordon Franks is directing the on-scene coordination for the Army.
Officials at the scene requested assistance from The Salvation Army in this remote location, 10 miles outside of Huntington, when they realized that the rescue effort would take longer than originally hoped.
The Denver EDS deployed a kitchen trailer to the disaster site on Aug. 15. Mike Gelski, Denver EDS coordinator, stated: “The Salvation Army will be in Huntington as long as we’re needed. We will be serving over 750 meals per day to the miners, emergency workers and families of the miners.”
The Army is working with Southern Baptists and the American Red Cross to provide the meals and other emergency services.
Through Sunday, Aug. 19, service provided totaled approximately 3,000 meals, 6,000 beverages and 9,000 snacks.