• Erin Campbell

AmeriCorps' Serves Relentlessly with The Salvation Army in Baton Rouge, LA

JACKSON, MS (August 31, 2016) – The AmeriCorps’ mission is to strengthen communities and develop leaders through team-based national and community service. AmeriCorps serves the country through economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, and veterans and military families. They develop young people and allow participants to discover a more opportunistic future. Members come from all over the world and work together to make the world a better place.

AmeriCorps has provided dedicated and inspiring service while working at The Salvation Army’s Disaster Relief Distribution Center located at Cortana Mall in Baton Rouge, LA. The Salvation Army’s relief effort began before the flood waters receded. Soon after, The Army was contacted by AmeriCorps asking how they could help in the relief effort.

To date, more than 560 AmeriCorps members and volunteers have assisted in the Gulf Coast Flood disaster recovery, relief, and rebuilding process. Over the last three weeks, AmeriCorps members have arrived at The Salvation Army Disaster Relief Distribution Center to help with sorting and distribution of donated supplies to give to those affected by the flooding.

AmeriCorps member, J. Chown from California, has never experienced a major natural disaster in her lifetime. She remarks, “Disasters have been such an abstract concept in my head, but actually seeing it firsthand and being a part of the recovery effort has been incredibly eye opening.”

“After speaking with other volunteers, I found out their stories. Many of them have been affected by flooding in the past and were helped by The Salvation Army; that’s why they’re here today. It’s an great testament to what this organization does and stands for. It’s been an amazing experience working with them.” – AmeriCorps member, M. Patterson from Oregon.

Because of the efforts of AmeriCorps members and other organizations’ efforts, over 146,000 meals have been served, over 14,000 food boxes have been distributed, and countless individuals have regained hope.

Thank you to AmeriCorps and to all other serving those in need!

 

Photograph provided by David Hass