• Christopher McGown

Salvation Army Team Battles Heat and Power Loss To Render Aid

Ashland, KY (June 30, 2012) – Heavy rain and winds in excess of 79 mph took down power lines and numerous tree limbs leaving thousands in Eastern Kentucky without power.   In the face of oppressing heat, Boyd County Emergency Management requested assistance from The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services.

Under the leadership of Majors Darrell and Deborah Kingsbury, The Salvation Army’s representatives for Boyd and the surrounding counties, trained volunteers worked with a local officials to supply needed food and drinks for a ‘cooling station’ located at Hilltop Christian Baptist Church.  

“The initial survey indicated our services would only be needed for a few hours, but now we are sure to be involved and serving through the weekend,” said Major Darrell Kingsbury.   Emergency Management personnel anticipate the restoration of power to be hindered by the need to remove of storm debris to make roads passable.

The structure of The Salvation Army allows ‘reinforcements’ to be ‘called up’ easily to assist the ongoing service.   A dedicated team of trained volunteers from neighboring Carter County, Kentucky will arrive onsite this evening to lend their assistance.

A revolving crowd of between 40 and 50 neighbors visit the cooling station for relief from the heat and to get cool drink and nutritious meal; providing the energy needed to continue the clean-up after the storm.

For the latest news about Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services or to make a donation in the support of those impacted by this flooding, please visit:   www.disaster.SalvationArmyUSA.org.  You can also call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769).

You may also help The Salvation Army now by texting “SAnow” 80888 to make a $10.00 contribution to the relief effort.   The donation will appear on your next phone bill.

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For images related Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services, please visit www.the-sa.org/edsinfo.

About the Salvation Army:  The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination since 1865.  Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children.  About 83 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services in nearly 5,000 communities nationwide.  For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.