Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter Visits Salvation Army Hurricane Laura Relief Operations

Lake Charles, LA (September 16, 2020)— Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter, State Senator Ronnie Johns, and United Way of Southwest Louisiana President Denise Durel visited The Salvation Army's Hurricane Laura incident command site on Tuesday. Mayor Hunter said he wanted to tour the operation to say thank you to The Salvation Army for all of the good work he's witnessed the organization doing in his community since the storm. 

"The Salvation Army was some of the first people that were on the ground here, helping right after the storm when it was so needed. I’m a local guy and work with the local affiliate, but you don’t quite appreciate the national organization until something like this happens. You have all these assets that you’re able to mobilize and get here," said Hunter. "Thank you so much for what you’re doing," he added. 

The local Salvation Army facilities, including the home of Lake Charles corps officers, Lieutenants Thomas and LeAnna Marion, were severely damaged in the storm. But their focus remains on helping their community. “The Salvation Army of Southwest Louisiana greatly appreciates the support we get from our local leaders and Mayor Nic Hunter. He is always there to back us up when we respond," said Lt. Thomas Marion.

To date, The Salvation Army has provided 293,954 meals in response to Hurricane Laura throughout affected areas of Louisiana and Texas. 210,814 of those meals were served in the Lake Charles area.  Services are ongoing in the Lake Charles area, where approximately 49,000 are still without power.

The best way to support the disaster work of The Salvation Army is by making a financial donation at www.helpsalvationarmy.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY. For the latest emergency disaster services news from The Salvation Army, please go to www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org and watch for regular updates on our social media pages at www.facebook.com/LakeCharlesCorps, www.facebook.com/salarmyalm/ and www.twitter.com/salarmyalm.

As natural disasters can increase mental stress, The Salvation Army’s Emotional & Spiritual Care HOPEline remains available. Anyone needing a caring listener – whether because of natural disaster, COVID-19, or the stress of life in general – can call 844-458-HOPE (4673) for support. HOPEline hours are 8 AM to 11 PM CDT, 7 days a week.