PRESS RELEASE
Salvation Army Provides Service after Devastating Storms in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kansas
May 5, 2008 –In the deadly aftermath of storms in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kansas at the end of last week, The Salvation Army has been providing emergency disaster relief.
In Grant, Cleburne, and Van Buren counties in Arkansas, 128 homes were damaged and 50 destroyed. Many areas lost power. Salvation Army canteens (mobile kitchens) from Fayetteville and Fort Smith, set up feeding sites in Damascus. A canteen from Pine Bluff served south of Sheridan, while a canteen from El Dorado set up a feeding site between Woodson and Hensley beginning Saturday morning. The number of homes and structures damaged is still being assessed.
Captain Ernest Hull of Pine Buff, serving as incident commander for the area, is continuing to assess damage. Due to the number of storms that hammered Arkansas, reports are still coming in. As the need arises, additional support for feeding and other services will be deployed.
In Oklahoma tornadoes touched down in rural areas causing minor damage to structures, while golf ball size hail caused major damage in other areas. Some hail storms lasted up to 10 minutes.
Major John Birks, director of disaster services, and Alton Gardner, disaster services coordinator, for The Salvation Army in Oklahoma and Arkansas have been in touch with personnel across the state to assess what services are needed where.
The Salvation Army continues to provide assistance to Kansas City area neighborhoods affected by tornadoes with wind speeds up to 135 mph early Friday morning. As of Sunday evening, the organization had provided meals to more than 2,200 people through its mobile canteens (feeding units). The canteens are out again today, providing food and beverages to cleanup workers, volunteers, law enforcement officers and residents. The Salvation Army is prepared to assist individuals and families who have been displaced from their homes and are in need of basic necessities including shelter, food, clothing, medicine and other basic necessities.
To volunteer with The Salvation Army or to make a credit card donation, call 651-746-3400 or 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Checks earmarked “Disaster Relief,” can be made out to The Salvation Army and sent to 2445 Prior Ave., Roseville, MN 55113. Click below to make an online donation.
