• Eric Short

The Salvation Army Deploys FedEx Mobile Kitchen to East Tennessee Following Hurricane Helene

Johnson City, TN – In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, The Salvation Army has mobilized to provide critical relief in East Tennessee. Among the deployed resources is the FedEx mobile kitchen unit based in Memphis, which arrived in Johnson City on Saturday, October 12. The following day, the unit began its vital mission of serving hot meals to survivors across some of the hardest-hit counties, including Unicoi, Greene, Carter, and Johnson.

The FedEx mobile kitchen is one of many canteens generously donated by FedEx to The Salvation Army over the years, a partnership that continues to make a difference in times of crisis. Accompanying the mobile kitchen are several Salvation Army officers, employees, and volunteers who have been deployed to assist with relief efforts. Key members of the disaster response team include Lieutenant Rashad Poole, Lieutenant Tim Morrison, Mike White, Kirby Chatman, and Michael Martin. Together, they are providing meals, snacks, drinks, and emotional and spiritual care to those affected by the storm.

“Our partnership with FedEx is invaluable, and the mobile kitchen unit they’ve provided has allowed us to meet the immediate needs of those affected by Hurricane Helene,” said Major Tim Gilliam, Area Commander of The Salvation Army in Memphis. “We are so grateful for their ongoing support, which enables us to bring relief to communities in their greatest time of need.”

Shane O’Conner, from the FedEx Global Citizenship team, echoed the importance of this collaboration, stating, “We are proud supporters of The Salvation Army, and we are pleased canteen trucks like this one are able to make a difference during times of crisis in the communities where they are needed most.”

Since September 28, The Salvation Army has provided the following to those impacted by Hurricane Helene in East Tennessee:

• 37,193 meals served
• 2,874 drinks
• 13,537 snacks
• 1,980 emotional and spiritual care contacts

The Salvation Army remains committed to serving those affected by Hurricane Helene for as long as necessary. This vital work is only made possible through the generosity of our donors. To contribute to the ongoing relief efforts, please visit helpsalvationarmy.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. 100% of disaster donations go directly toward serving survivors and first responders.