• Mark Jones

Salvation Army Crews Provide Fresh Aroma of Service to Hattiesburg

Hattiesburg, Miss. (February 15, 2013) For many, the aroma of fresh brewed coffee serves two purposes, waking up the body and providing a reminder of the simpler things in life. From the hot meals to hot coffee, Salvation Army crews are remaining vigilant in their efforts to provide a reminder of the simpler things in the midst of this storm.

As residents of Hattiesburg pressed forward in their efforts to recover from the tornado, area businesses continued to step up to provide for the needs of their neighbors.

Community Coffee has donated over 100 pounds of coffee and supplies to Salvation Army feeding teams serving throughout the Pine Belt. Newk’s Restaurant has donated 5,000 meals of Red Beans and Rice for service in Hattiesburg. Neal House Catering/Keg and Barrell has served up an additional 700 meals.

“The simple cup of coffee can many times speak more to the soul than words,” stated Captain Andy Gilliam of The Salvation Army. “We are appreciative for the continued generosity of Mississippi businesses in support of Hattiesburg residents.”

To date, The Salvation Army has served over 7,200 meals and over 10,000 drinks in the Pine Belt.

Throughout the weekend, The Salvation Army will distribute meals to residents and clean-up crews working in the Pine Belt.

In addition to the donated meals, Clear Channel Radio and WJTV News Channel 12 of Jackson partnered with Kroger to build over 350 food boxes for distribution in Hattiesburg throughout the weekend. These boxes supplement the tractor trailer load of food boxes received Thursday from the Midwest Food Bank.

Each food box is capable of feeding a family of four with basic food staples.

“Each hot meal and bottle of water reflects the love of Christ and the passion that The Salvation Army has for helping Hattiesburg recover,” stated Captain Andy Gilliam of The Salvation Army. 

The Salvation Army’s response to disasters is dependent upon the generosity of our donors.. Many times that support comes in the form of cash donations made through our website or generously mailed to one of our many locations. Other times, it comes in the form of support from businesses partnering with The Salvation Army to meet human needs in times of disaster.

Six Mobile feeding units will be working throughout the day on Thursday providing for the needs of residents.

Units will be positioned at the following locations:
• Hattiesburg Unit: Petal, East 5th Avenue and James Street.
• Jackson Unit: CVS Pharmacy, Intersection of US Highway 49 and Hardy Street, Hattiesburg, Miss.
• Mississippi Coast Unit: Neighborhoods East of USM
• McComb Unit: Oak Grove, Roving Lake Serene, Bellewood, and Lakeshore Areas
• Laurel Unit: Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, 900 East 8th Street, Hattiesburg
• Jackson Unit 2:Neighborhoods West and South of USM Roving

Financial donations are still needed to support disaster relief efforts.  The Salvation Army asks those who want to help to visit www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY and designate Disaster Relief.  Donors may text “GIVE” to 80888.  Checks may be made out to The Salvation Army Disaster Relief, P.O. Box 100339, Atlanta, GA 30384-0339.  Monetary donations will ensure The Salvation Army can meet the most immediate needs of those impacted by disaster.

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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 33 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year. The Salvation Army provides food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, and outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing, shelter and opportunities for underprivileged children. About 83 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services in nearly 9,000 communities nationwide. For more information go to http://www.salvationarmyusa.org, call 1-800-SAL-ARMY, or send a check to your local Salvation Army earmarked for disaster relief.