• Donald Felice

The Salvation Army of Georgia Responds to Hurricane Matthew

Photo: Georgia’s First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Deal, visits with Salvation Army officers in Macon, Georgia, at a Hurricane Matthew evacuation shelter.

Savannah, GA – Eighteen Salvation Army canteens (mobile kitchen units) are in service across Georgia responding to evacuation and coastal impact situations from Hurricane Matthew. Since October 5, The Salvation Army of Georgia has served close to 14,000 prepared meals, 15,000 drinks, and 13,000 snacks to those affected by Hurricane Matthew. In addition to serving those in need in the Georgia coastal region, The Salvation Army of Georgia is serving inland at evacuation centers located in Augusta, Dublin, Douglas, Macon, Tifton, Vidalia, and Waycross. “The Salvation Army will continue to serve wherever there is need, as long as there is a need,” said Major Jack Butler, Emergency Disaster Services Director for The Salvation Army of Georgia.

An avid supporter of The Salvation Army, Georgia’s First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Deal, visited evacuation shelters served by The Salvation Army of Georgia in Augusta and again in Macon. Georgia Divisional Commander, Major Charles Powell, welcomed Mrs. Deal as she served and encouraged those affected by Hurricane Matthew in Macon.

Two Salvation Army incident management teams have been established in Savannah and Brunswick to coordinate efforts in the affected coastal Georgia area and throughout the state. Canteens from Savannah, Atlanta, Carrolton, Macon, and the Alabama-Louisiana-Mississippi Divisions are currently serving first responders in Savannah, with Georgia canteens from Gainesville and Covington scheduled to arrive in the area tomorrow. Canteens from Bainbridge, Columbus, Elberton, Lawrenceville, and St. Marys are serving in Brunswick and St. Marys.

“First responders are the main focus for The Salvation Army’s initial services in Georgia’s coastal area until local and state officials clear roads, restore power, and open roads to returning residents,” said Captain Chris Powell, Incident Commander for the Savannah Incident Management Team. As people are able to return to their homes, The Salvation Army will adapt its mobile canteens to serve the changing areas of need.

How to Help

The best way to help survivors and relief workers is to make a financial contribution. Monetary donations allow disaster responders to immediately meet the specific needs of disaster survivors as the situation continues to be assessed. 

Donate online:             http://salar.my/HurricaneMatthew

Donate by mail:           The Salvation Army
                                    PO Box 1959
                                    Atlanta, GA

Please designate “Hurricane Matthew” on all checks.

Donate by Phone:        1-800- SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)

Donate by Text:            Text STORM to 51555 to receive a donation link for easy mobile giving

Currently, The Salvation Army is not accepting in-kind donations from the general public for disaster relief operations. This may (or may not) change in the future.

However, The Salvation Army depends upon your donation of used clothing and other items to support local programming. Please consider donating your used clothing, used furniture, and other items to your local Salvation Army Family Store.

State and local officials plan to open areas previously closed for road clearing and power restoration later today. Hoping to soon return safely to their homes, 475 evacuated residents at an Augusta shelter are scheduled to be housed at the Savannah Civic Center shelter where a Salvation Army mobile canteen is deployed.

As the situation develops, The Salvation Army stands ready to respond aggressively and serve compassionately wherever and whenever needed.