• Cynthia Fuller

Angels, Bells and Emergency Disaster Services

Jonesboro, Arkansas (December 17, 2021) The Salvation Army across the nation is very involved in its various Christmas programs. From Angel Tree programs to the iconic Red Kettle Campaign, the services, and programs that The Salvation Army offer continue 365 days a year. In parts of the Heartland, in addition to the traditional Christmas activities, The Salvation Army is finding themselves also providing emergency disaster services to survivors of a series of deadly tornados that hit the evening of December 10th.

On a very rainy Thursday, Captain Teri Smith, Corps Officer for The Salvation Army of Jonesboro, Arkansas found herself not only organizing volunteers to help sort Angel Tree gifts for distribution next week, but also serving food and beverages from an Emergency Disaster Services vehicle. Her husband, Captain Charles Smith, took on the red kettle responsibilities, as well as ensuring that the shelter and social services programs continued without interruption.

“Christmas is already jam-packed with fundraising, toys, volunteers and day-to-day operations, yet to add the addition of a historic tornado and your community family’ lives disrupted just adds another layer of care to our people,” says Captain Charles Smith. “We continue to keep our community in our prayers, as well as our fellow staff and volunteers, as we continue to serve our community and meet them in their specific area of need.”

The Salvation Army will continue to serve human needs, wherever or whatever they may be, 365 days a year. With needs ranging from food insecurity to overnight shelter to emergency disaster services, The Salvation Army aims to be a beacon of hope to all who find themselves hopeless.

To learn more about the year-round programs and services that The Salvation Army offers in your local community, visit SalvationArmyAOK.org. For information on the Emergency Disaster Services program of The Salvation Army, visit disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.

Monetary donations are still needed and can be made at www.helpsalvationarmy.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY to support response efforts. For the latest Salvation Army disaster information please go to www.disaster.salvationarmy.org and watch for regular updates on our social media pages at www.facebook.com/salvationarmyaok/ and www.twitter.com/salarmyeds and www.twitter.com/SalArmyAOKEDS.