• David Burgmayer

Disaster Services Papal Visit Support, Philadelphia, Pennslyvania

The Salvation Army Disaster Services is honored to participate in Pope Francis' historic visit to Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families on September 26-27.

Emergency Disaster Services - Feeding Operations

Through our Emergency Disaster Services program, The Salvation Army Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Division will provide food, drink and other necessities at sites across the City of Philadelphia to nearly 10,000 law enforcement, first responders and municipal workers during the Papal visit to Philadelphia. 127 staff, officer, and volunteers will participate in the 24-7 operation from Thursday, September 24 through Monday, September 28.

They come from Philadelphia, Eastern and Central PA and sister Salvation Army divisions and territories. Volunteers will staff EDS canteen trucks at 7 fixed locations throughout center city, old city and the art museum areas cordoned off to incoming vehicle traffic. The Salvation Army Headquarters: 701 North Broad Street (On-going operational management), Parking lot at Cherry and N. 23rd Streets, Underneath the Ben Franklin Bridge (2nd/3rd and Race Streets), Police Department HQ, 750 Race Street, Franklin Learning Center, 616 N 15th St, US Social Security Admin Bldg, 300 Spring Garden St., McCall Gen. George A School, 325 S 7th St.

Over the course of 4 days, volunteers will hand out a total of 93,000 meals including pre-packaged lunches and hot dinners courtesy of Wawa. They will also travel throughout the secured areas delivering meals to emergency personnel at more than 50 sites. “This is a great opportunity for The Salvation Army to serve the community during this historic event,” shared Lt. Colonel Stephen Banfield, Divisional Commander, Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Division.

The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services provides basic needs and services to victims of disaster, while also assisting first-responders. EDS is often one of the first on the scene to aid emergency response efforts by providing food, shelter, clothing and spiritual comfort. Wawa participation in our feeding efforts 1.5 Million Bottles of Water for the parkway hydration stations served free to the anticipate 1+ million attendees by Wawa volunteers; and water distributed to emergency responders by Salvation Army volunteers.

More than 93,000 meals provided to law enforcement, first responders, and municipal workers. Menu items include breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks: Wawa Hoagies, Sandwiches, and Wraps - Meatball, Beefsteak, and Chicken Cheesesteak Hoagies, Buffalo Chicken, Caprese Ciabatta, Chicken Caesar, Peppered Turkey with Bacon Wraps, Smokey Chipolte Turkey Cheese and Ciabatta Sandwich. Express Items for Convenience and Nutrition - Protein Packs, Grape and Cheese Pack, Apple Snack Packs, Apple Dippers with Peanut Butter, Fruit and Cheese Tray, Soft Pretzels, Mac & Cheese, Assorted Nuts, Tastykake Items, Yogurt, Herr’s Chips, Granola Bars.

Special Thanks to Wawa (#Wawa) for 93,000 meals and food service infrastructure support; Polaris (#Polaris) for their 29 ATVs, All Terrain Vehicles; City of Philadelphia (@PhiladelphiaGov); media support #6abcAction, #Fox29Pope, #CBSPhillyPope, #CNNPope, #PopeInPhilly, and all Salvation Army divisions and territories who have provided personnel and mobile feeding canteen and vehicle support.

For more information, please visit www.disaster.salvationarmyUSA.org, Salvation Army EDS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Salvation-Army-Disaster-Services-Pendel-Division