Twenty Salvation Army trained Emergency Disaster Services volunteers are on “stand-by” for travel to the hurricane affected states announced the Empire State Division of The Salvation Army.
“The volunteers from Buffalo, Batavia, Oneonta, Owego and Sidney are ready to be deployed and assist our Salvation Army colleagues,” said Michael Schwartz, divisional director of Emergency Disaster Services for The Salvation Army. “We will learn this weekend where our volunteers will be sent. Our volunteers are trained in incident command and emotional and spiritual care. The Salvation Army operates many Worship and Service Centers and Service Units in the impacted areas of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, the Army is already on site helping those in need.”
“Since the National Hurricane Center has estimated that the hurricane will bypass New York state, it gives The Salvation Army the ability to ready our volunteers for service in the south,” he added.
The Salvation Army has over 100 disaster response vehicles in place for immediate assistance in the storm damaged areas of the southeast. The Florida state officials estimate that over 300,000 meals will be served daily to survivors and the Army has committed to provide 100,000 meals.
“Right now, a cash donation is the best way to support The Salvation Army in providing needed support and meals,” Schwartz said. “Cash is flexible, can be used immediately in response to a crisis, and allows disaster relief organizations to purchase exactly what is needed, when it’s needed. Cash gives relief organizations the means to procure supplies near the affected area, which cuts down on transportation time and cost. Monetary contributions also support local economies.”
Those interested in donating can:
- Donate Online: http://give.salvationarmyusa.org/hurricane_matthew
- Donate By Mail: The Salvation Army PO BOX 1959 Atlanta, GA 30301 Please designate 'Hurricane Matthew' on all checks.
- Donate By Phone: 1-800- SAL-ARMY (1-800- 725-2769)
- Donate By Text: Text STORM to 51555 to receive a donation link for easy mobile giving
Here are other ways to help:
IN-KIND DONATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC OR COMMUNITY GROUPS
Currently, The Salvation Army is not accepting in-kind donations from the general public for disaster relief operations. This may (or may not) change once a more complete assessment of survivor's needs are known; however, The Salvation Army depends upon your donation of used clothing and other items to support local programming. Please consider donating your used clothing, used furniture, and other items to your local Salvation Army Family (or Thift) Store.
CORPORATE DONATIONS
Major gift offers should be directed to the Army’s Southern Territorial Headquarters to Tyra Gore at tyra.gore@uss.salvationarmy.org.
INTERNATIONAL RELIEF FOR HAITI, BAHAMAS, AND OTHER CARIBBEAN ISLANDS
As above, the best way to help The Salvation Army's Caribbean Territory respond to Hurricane Matthew to make a financial gift:
- To donate online: salar.my/Matthew
- To donate by check, please mail to: Salvation Army World Service Office Hurricane Matthew Relief P.O. Box 418558 Boston, MA 02241-8558 Mark checks with "Hurricane Matthew"
- To donate by phone, please call: 1-800- SAL-ARMY (1-800- 725-2769) International corporate and major gift offers may be directed Darcelle Wilson at the Salvation Army World Service Office (SAWSO) via e-mail at darcelle.wilson@usn.salvationarmy.org.
The Salvation Army is not soliciting in-kind goods for the Caribbean; transporting these goods to the islands is time and cost prohibitive. The Salvation Army is not deploying personnel from the United States to Caribbean. The Salvation Army already has an established indigenous disaster relief programs within these countries and numerous local volunteers.
VOLUNTEERS
The Salvation Army recruits and deploys disaster workers through its local Salvation Army units.
To register as a disaster worker:
- Call your local Salvation Army.
- Register online at www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org
If you are a new volunteer, registering today, bear in mind that The Salvation Army typically uses trained disaster workers already associated with The Salvation Army FIRST.