As states across the South continue to battle with the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene, The Salvation Army is mobilizing its national Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) network to provide mass feeding, sheltering, clean-up support, personal hygiene kits and emotional and spiritual care to survivors and first responders. On Sunday, Sept. 29, two disaster relief volunteers from The Salvation Army Wilkes-Barre Corps arrived in Tampa, Fla., to begin their two-week deployment assisting with relief efforts and logistics of the hurricane response.
The responders, Chris Winborn and Mark Jacukowicz, volunteers from the Wilkes-Barre area, deployed from The Salvation Army’s Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Divisional Headquarters in Philadelphia. They departed driving an EDS box truck filled with 11 pallets of clean-up kits.
“The Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Division of The Salvation Army will be deploying personnel to support on-the-ground efforts and logistics in the devastated areas over the coming days and weeks. Our dedicated teams and volunteers will provide more than just meals—they will offer comfort, compassion and support to individuals and families as they navigate this challenging time,” said Luke Rodgers, the Division’s director of EDS. “Thanks to the continued generosity of the public, we will remain on-site as long as we need to uplift and rebuild the affected communities.”
Since Hurricane Helene struck states including Florida and Georgia last week, an extensive network of EDS disaster professionals and volunteers from The Salvation Army has been on the ground serving communities across southern states.
“The Salvation Army’s presence in every zip code of the United States makes us uniquely capable of mobilizing from anywhere in the country for a disaster event like this,” said Robert Myers III, EDS coordinator for The Salvation Army USA Eastern Territory. “We were preparing response efforts before the storm made landfall, and we will be helping these communities recover long after the flood waters recede.”
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Credit: Salvation Army
Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida the evening of Thursday, Sept. 26, as a Category 4 storm before rapidly advancing northwest into Georgia.
With over 7,200 centers of operation across the country, The Salvation Army is uniquely positioned to mobilize and serve communities before, during, and after a natural disaster strikes. During times of disaster, 100% of designated donations to The Salvation Army are used for immediate response and long-term efforts.
To make a financial gift to support Hurricane Helene relief:
- Donate online: HelpSalvationArmy.org
- Donate by phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)
- Donate by mail:
The Salvation Army
P.O. BOX 1959
Atlanta, GA 30301
(Please designate Disaster Relief – Hurricane Helene on all checks.)
Currently, The Salvation Army is not accepting in-kind donations due to the significant shipping costs. Cash giving allows us to make tailored purchases to meet specific needs as much as possible. For more information on The Salvation Army’s response, visit www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org
About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army of Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware is a faith-based, comprehensive human service organization whose programs help individuals, families and whole communities lead healthier, safer and more productive lives. Since 1879, The Army has held a record of accomplishment stemming from its holistic approach to providing for the needs of the whole individual – physically, emotionally, economically and spiritually. The Army’s programming serves every zip code through 43 community centers and a network of volunteers throughout Eastern Pennsylvania, Philadelphia and Delaware. Programs and services historically include shelter, hot meals, counseling, early childhood development, recreational opportunities, music programs, after-school arts and educational programs, job training, activities for older adults, spiritual development, and drug rehabilitation.
Mission Statement: The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
For more information, visit www.SalvationArmyPendel.org. Follow us on Facebook.