PRESS RELEASE

Salvation Army Continues California
Wildfire Response

October 25, 2007 – As the California wildfire crisis enters its fifth day, The Salvation Army continues to provide relief and support to those in need in San Diego County and other impacted regions. Among other efforts, today the Army opened a firestorm assistance center in El Centro to help meet the needs of evacuees from San Diego County.  It also continued to mobilize nine emergency disaster services vehicles (canteens), and has six others on call. The canteens have fed more than 31,000 meals and snacks as well 35,000 drinks to individuals impacted by the disaster, including thousands at Qualcomm stadium. The Army has also provided personal care kits, cots, cups and other materials, as well as emotional and spiritual care.

“Our focus continues to be helping people who have evacuated from their homes, and providing food and comfort to first responders,” said Lt. Col Doug O’Brien, who oversees The Salvation Army’s Sierra Del Mar Division which includes San Diego County. “At the same time, we are planning for the long-term recovery and need monetary donations to ensure we can help the most people possible in rebuilding their homes and lives. We are always humbled by the support of the American public and our corporate partners, including Target Stores, which already donated $100,000 to support our relief efforts”

Specific Salvation Army activities include:

  • Firestorm Assistance Center (El Centro, CA): The Army has opened a center to meet the needs of evacuees at 1301 S. Fourth St. The center is providing food, shelter and other materials.

  • Qualcomm Stadium (San Diego, CA): Two Salvation Army mobile kitchen units have provided thousands of meals and drinks at the stadium evacuation site.  

  • Additional Canteen Unit Locations:

    • Campo Santana High School

    • Escondido High School

    • Lakeside, CA  

    • Chula Vista, CA

    • Fallbrook, CA

    • San Bernardino, CA (x2)

  • Los Angeles, CA: Four canteen units have been dispatched in Los Angeles providing food, drinks, 300 cots and 3,000 personal care kits to fire survivors. The care kits include items such as a toothbrush, wash cloth, comb, shampoo and other items.

  • Elsewhere: In Los Angeles County, where fires continue to burn in Malibu Canyon, Santa Clarita, and other areas, Salvation Army Emergency Disaster personnel remain on standby, ready to respond when requested by County authorities.

The Salvation Army serves in more than 100 countries and provides both immediate emergency assistance and long-term recovery help in the event of any disaster. Funds for The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services come from corporate and private donations given specifically for disaster relief. To volunteer with The Salvation Army or to make a credit card donation, call 651-746-3400 or 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Checks made out to The Salvation Army may be sent to 2445 Prior Ave., Roseville, MN 55113. Click below to make an online donation.