• Cindy Fuller

Salvation Army Continues Response to Many Affected by Severe Weather in Oklahoma

Oklahoma City, OK: The Arkansas-Oklahoma Division of The Salvation Army continues to provide support to those affected by severe storms in Oklahoma this week.   On Thursday, another round of severe weather including straight line winds, flooding and tornadoes pushed through the division.  Severe weather continues to be a threat through Saturday morning.

Muskogee:  High winds damaged the roof of a building at an apartment complex with other reports of widespread damage to many structures including downed power lines overnight on Thursday.  Major Susan Dewan, Muskogee Corps Officer, reached out to residents who were evacuated without their belongings.  Major states “Many of the residents had no shoes and were still in their pajamas.  Power was out in many areas; however, the Family Store still had power.  We allowed about nine families comprising of more than 40 people have a shopping spree at 3:00 AM this morning.”  Emotional and spiritual care was also provided as many of the residents were very shaken. 

Elk City: Major Ben Walters, Altus Corps Officer, remains on scene with a canteen (mobile feeding unit) working with first responders and those affected by providing food, hydration and emotional and spiritual care.   Thursday’s service was shut down early as once again, severe thunderstorms with the threat of more tornadoes hit the area. The Altus unit relocated to a neighborhood today as heavy traffic was expected in the area as residents continue efforts to clean up and find personal items. 

The Salvation Army remains in communication and coordination with Emergency Management as well as Oklahoma Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) to help meet the needs of the community.  The Salvation Army will continue service throughout the weekend.

Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

How to Help Elk:
Monetary donations remain the most critical need as supplies and personnel move into the area.

Online:             disaster.salvationarmyusa.org

By Phone:        Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (800-725-2769)

By Mail:           Make checks payable to “The Salvation Army” and clearly marked “Elk City Tornado”.

The Salvation Army

PO Box 53068

Oklahoma City, OK 73152

Donations of Household Good and Clothing: 
Due to the emergency, The Salvation Army cannot guarantee that any individual donations of household goods or clothing (gifts-in-kind) will be sent to the disaster area. In times of disaster, our stores fill these needs from existing, pre-sorted stock. PLEASE continue to donate gently-used household goods to your local Salvation Army store. You will help your community and help us prepare for future disaster relief needs. To find your nearest drop-off location, please go to www.satruck.org.