PRESS RELEASE
Freddie Mac Donates Trailer to The Salvation Army for Flood Relief in Southeastern MN
ROSEVILLE, MN – September 13, 2007 – In response to the severe August flooding that wrecked much of southeastern Minnesota, Freddie Mac has donated $10,000 to The Salvation Army for the purchase of a utility trailer to aid in disaster relief efforts.
The mortgage company’s donation came at the request of its client, Merchant Bank, a Winona-based lender serving residents in southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
“We are pleased to team up with The Salvation Army and enlist Freddie Mac’s help to ensure that more families in our community receive the help they need to recover,” said Michael E. Speltz, CFO of Merchants Financial Group.
The trailer was delivered to The Salvation Army in Winona on Sept. 7. It has since been used to serve flood sites in Winona, Rushford, Stockton and other affected areas.
Distributed supplies include water, meal kits, snacks, gloves, cleaning kits and other materials deemed necessary by The Salvation Army and government officials.
The donation will also allow Salvation Army relief workers to respond quickly with emergency supplies in future disasters.
“The trailer’s compact size enables relief workers to get supplies to areas that most delivery trucks and Salvation Army vehicles cannot reach,” said Major Daniel Sjögren, divisional commander for The Salvation Army.
Also doubling as a field office, the trailer allows The Salvation Army to provide case management to outlying areas of a disaster scene. This lets survivors receive provisions close to home instead of traveling to an outside location.
“Our concern is for the people,” Major Sjögren added. “This trailer will enable us to continue helping the men, women and children affected by this horrendous flood. We are grateful for the partnership of Freddie Mac.”
Donations can be made by clicking here or by mailing a check marked “Minnesota Flooding” to 2445 Prior Ave, Roseville, MN 55113.
