• Philip Burn

Delivering Meals and Deep Cleaning as The Salvation Army Responds to Hurricane Hanna

Dallas, Texas (July 28, 2020) – Residents of South Texas affected by Hurricane Hanna received meals from The Salvation Army in several communities on Monday. Seven mobile kitchens delivered food and hydration in counties surrounding Corpus Christi and McAllen, and teams anticipate moving into additional communities on Tuesday as floodwaters recede.

“Today was a busy day of service in Corpus Christi, Laguna Vista, Sullivan City, Port Mansfield, McAllen and Flour Bluff,” said Alvin Migues, Texas Emergency Disaster Services Director for The Salvation Army. “Our teams have done a great job of quickly establishing distribution locations and getting food and assistance into the hands of those in need. We will be serving affected communities as long as we are needed and are working closely with local and state Emergency Management and other partner agencies.”

On Monday, 1,240 meals were served, and 1,148 drinks and snacks were provided. In several locations, such as Sullivan City, drive-thru meal delivery took place with food being provided out of the mobile kitchen and hand delivered to a steady line of vehicles by staff and volunteers. This is one of many aspects of the current response effort to be adjusted due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“Disaster response is long and tiring work for staff and volunteers, but it is also very rewarding and fulfilling to know that you are helping someone who is experiencing crisis and in need of help,” said Lt. Adolph Aguirre, Commanding Officer of The Salvation Army in McAllen. “As the mobile kitchens return at the end of each day, we make sure to disinfect and clean every unit including the work surfaces and all of the utensils. This will be the daily process to make sure we provide a safe workplace for our volunteers and staff, as well as protecting those we serve. We are also using UV Disinfecting Lamps, like those used in hospitals, in the kitchen at The Salvation Army to ensure that all food preparation areas remain clean. We are working hard to follow all protocols related to COVID-19 as we serve our community.”

Donations are needed to support the ongoing response efforts in South Texas. “Financial contributions are the best way to support The Salvation Army in helping those affected by Hurricane Hanna and allow us to purchase product to meet the most urgent needs,” said Migues. “Where possible, purchases are made near the disaster site to help stimulate the local economy and for quicker delivery to those in need.” To make a donation go to www.helpsalvationarmy.org or call 1-800-SALARMY.

For the latest information please go to www.disaster.salvationarmy.org and watch for regular updates on our social media pages at www.facebook.com/salvationarmytexas/ and www.twitter.com/salarmytx.