• Mark Jones

Salvation Army Opens Disaster Distribution Center To Assist Tuscaloosa Tornado Survivors

Tuscaloosa, AL - May 22, 2011 - The Salvation Army will serve Tuscaloosa-based tornado survivors through a new disaster distribution center, beginning Monday, May 23. This center will provide free counseling, one-time limited financial assistance and in-kind product assistance to those survivors of the April 27 tornado outbreak who are still struggling to meet basic needs.

“We’re excited to be able to provide this supplemental assistance to those families and individuals most impacted by the April 27 tornado outbreak,” said Major Steve Morris, Incident Commander for The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Response efforts in Tuscaloosa. “The goal is relieve the burden of acquiring these essential needs – food, water and hygiene items – and help survivors focus on moving forward with rebuilding their homes and lives.”

Assistance will be given on an appointment basis, to help alleviate long waiting times for tornado survivors, especially with the recent warm temperatures in Tuscaloosa. Appointments are offered Monday through Friday, 9:00a.m. through 3:00p.m. (last appointment begins at 3:00p.m.).

Tuscaloosa-based tornado survivors who wish to apply for relief assistance through The Salvation Army should call (205) 345-6939 to make an appointment. Center location and additional instruction will be given when individuals call to make an appointment.

Donation Options for the Public:

The best way to help tornado survivors and rescue workers is to make a financial contribution. Monetary donations allow disaster responders to immediately meet the specific needs of disaster survivors. There are a variety of ways public can support The Salvation Army’s tornado disaster relief efforts:

• Online: Visit www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org
• Text: Text “GIVE” to 80888 to make a $10 donation
• Phone: Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY - Designate gift "April 2011 Tornado Outbreak"
• Mail: Designate "April 2011 Tornado Outbreak" on check/money order, mail to:  The Salvation Army Disaster Relief P.O. Box 100339 Atlanta, GA 30384-0339

At this point, in-kind donations are not being accepted outside the disaster area. Used clothing and used furniture are seldom required during an incident. However, these gifts are vitally important in supporting the day-to-day work of your local Salvation Army. Please consider giving these items to your local Salvation Army Thrift Store or dial 1-800-SA-TRUCK.

The Salvation Army is grateful to the public for their continued support.

About The Salvation Army:

The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 130 years in the United States. 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. 82 cents of every dollar spent is used to carry out those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.