(Hazard, KY) – For the past three days, the Salvation Army has been holding mass distribution of relief supply events at a warehouse in Hazard, KY. The supplies are ones geared toward helping conditions in the beleaguered area, as residents try to get back on their feet after devastating floods hit the region last week.
Distribution of items at Saturday’s event included personal hygiene kits, flood cleanup kits, non-perishable food boxes, cases of bottled water, and Walmart gift cards valued at $100 each. The Salvation Army was able to help 565 families with supplies and gift cards on Saturday.
“Hey, I just want to bless you with a $100 gift card from Walmart. God bless you. We’re praying for you as you recover,” said Major Melody McClure, as she distributed one of the gift cards to a mother in a vehicle at the event on Saturday. “What’s best about today is we’re out here really helping people who need our help in this community, so we’re grateful to be here,” said McClure, who is serving in Hazard after travelling from Louisville.
Major Kati Chase of the Maryville, Tennessee Corps, expressed similar sentiments, “It’s been a blessing to get a chance to talk with people, listen, and pray with them. We’re an ear to listen or a shoulder to cry on and just try to share the love of Jesus with them,” said Chase.
In total on Saturday, The Salvation Army distributed:
· 528 flood cleanup kits
· 440 food boxes
· 540 cases of bottled water
· 600 hot meals
They also had 702 emotional and spiritual care contacts on Saturday, which is a unique feature of The Salvation Army, where a member of the response team listens to a survivor’s story, or prays with them, or sometimes both.
The Salvation Army will hold a final distribution event on Sunday at the old Magic Mart building, located at 1441 E Main Street in Hazard. The event will begin at 11:00am and run until 2:00pm. The same items will be distributed at this event.
To make a financial gift to support ongoing disaster relief efforts, visit helpsalvationarmy.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769).
