• Cindy Fuller

Volunteers, Survivors and First Responders Come by the Dozens

Over the weekend, The Salvation Army partnered with Tulsa County to stage a fixed feeding site in a neighborhood hard hit by flooding from the Arkansas River.  Approximately half of the neighborhood was covered in water. Water was up to the roof line for several blocks.  The clean-up process will be long and tiring with the removal of furnishings, sheetrock, and more. 

As the neighborhood opened on Saturday, residents returned to evaluate their property and begin the clean-up process.  The Salvation Army was on hand to serve meals, hydration, emotional and spiritual care.  As the word spread, volunteers, survivors, and first responders arrived for a lunch of hot dogs, chips, a dessert and a cold bottle of water.   For some, it was the first break they had taken since early morning.  

People arrived by the dozens.  A lunch order for a group of 35 AmeriCorps volunteers was just one of the large orders heard throughout the day. It was not uncommon to hear requests for dozens and half a dozen meals for families and friends working to help their fellow neighbor.   Although at times, the line was long, everyone was appreciative for a friendly face and a meal close to their homes.

During disasters, whenever possible, The Salvation Army is there to feed empty stomachs, provide a bottle of water and an encouraging smile.  Disaster response has been part of the Army’s history since 1900 where they served on their first disaster in Galveston, Texas.

How People Can Help

The best way to help after a disaster is to make a financial donation to the charity of your choice.  Cash is flexible, can be used immediately in response to a crisis, and allows disaster relief organizations to purchase exactly what is needed when it’s needed. Cash gives relief organizations the means to procure supplies near the affected area, which cuts down on transportation time and cost. Monetary contributions also support local economies and ensure that businesses can operate when relief supplies diminish.

• Donate Online: www.helpsalvationarmy.org
• Donate by Mail: The Salvation Army PO BOX 1959, Atlanta, GA  30301.  Please designate 'May 2019 OK/AR Storms' 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

For the latest emergency disaster services news from The Salvation Army, follow the social feed on Twitter at @salarmyeds or visit disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.