For every disaster, hope can look different. In the wake of a hurricane, hope can be a hot meal when the power is out. After a tornado, hope can be a simple embrace to help make it through the day. In rural Tennessee, after the October 10th industrial plant explosion, hope looks like a stuffed giraffe.
When responding to disasters, The Salvation Army often partners with organizations to ensure that the unique needs of the community are met. The Tennessee response is no different. Both employees of the plant and their loved ones, many of them children, needed comfort and support in the aftermath.
Recognizing this need, Baby2Baby, a nonprofit dedicated to providing necessities to children in need, reached out to The Salvation Army with a generous donation of diapers, wipes, and stuffed animals.
As boxes were opened and the children approached, their eyes lit up, eagerly searching for the perfect stuffed friend, some hugging giraffes, others clinging tightly to plush bears or elephants. These small gestures will not take away the pain of tragedy, but they can provide hope and a smile during difficult times.
“In every disaster, we see how small acts of kindness can help restore a sense of normalcy,” said Scott Tibbitts, The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services Director. “A stuffed toy might seem small, but to a child in the midst of disaster, it can mean the world.”
It’s important not to forget about the little gestures: a hug, a handshake, or even a stuffed giraffe for a child to hold. They may seem simple, but they are powerful reminders that they are not alone.
The Salvation Army extends heartfelt thanks to Baby2Baby for their compassion and support during this operation.
If you would like to assist with The Salvation Army’s response efforts, please consider making a financial donation at helpsalvationarmy.org. Most importantly, please keep the families affected by this tragedy in your prayers.
