• Christopher McGown

Southeastern Kentucky Flood Survivors Receive Humble Service with Lifesaving Impact

Middlesboro, KY – June 23, 2011 - “I know our building was devastated, but there are so many others with a greater need; the community has to be served first.” said Captain Adrian Twinney, Incident Commander, speaking about The Salvation Army’s property located at 118 North 18^th Street in Middlesboro which was extensively damaged by the recent flooding in Southeastern Kentucky.

The Salvation Army has been in Middlesboro meeting needs for decades; today the needs have developed around the recent flash flooding, and The Salvation Army is meetings those needs.    Working in conjunction with fellow response non-profits, state, and local government agencies; The Salvation Army is actively engaged.  

Trained Salvation Army staff and volunteers have served 321 prepared meals to flood survivors and responders…the impact is real, immediate, and vital.   Nearly double that number, 514 snacks have been served, along with cases and cases of a variety of drinks.

In addition to the immediate needs, The Salvation Army is also providing tools to assist those most affected to return to their lives.   256 clean-up kits* have been distributed, along with hundreds of gallons of jugged water.   For those whose situation called for it, Salvation Army staff and volunteers have already distributed 164 food baskets and/or vouchers.

“Reinforcements” arrived today to assist in The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Response.   Among them were two (2) Cadets from The Salvation Army’s College of Officer’s Training, located in Atlanta, Georgia.   These two Cadets were on their Summer Assignment in Memphis, Tennessee when they volunteered to come to Middlesboro to help.   As Cadets, they are part of a two-year intensive training program to prepare them for their life-long calling as Salvation Army Officers.   Because of The Salvation Army’s commitment to emergency disaster response, the Cadets’ service in this disaster response fits perfectly into the overall effort to provide the skills and experiences necessary to equip them for service.

The Cadets will also have an opportunity to participate in Emotional & Spiritual Care for those impacted by this disaster.  Scores of lives have already been touched in this response effort due to The Salvation Army’s insistence to minister to the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. 

The Salvation Army is committed to remaining in place as part of the coordinated effort to meet the evolving needs of those most impacted by the flooding.   “They are our neighbors” said Twinney.  “We’re gonna be in this community for years to come, this is just what we are doing to meet today’s needs.”  The Salvation Army is meeting needs every day of the year; but normally in response to a personal ‘disaster’.   The result is the same—humble service to those in the greatest need.

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.

*  Containing such cleaning basics as a mop, bucket, cleaning agents, sponges, masks, and gloves; a clean-up kit seems basic.   A photo of a clean-up kit can be found at www.TSA.ms/edsinfo.