After three weeks of providing disaster relief services for victims of Hurricane Charley, The Salvation Army was transitioning to plan for their long-term needs. However, reports of a possible second hurricane twice the size of Charley has forced the organization to reposition its Disaster Relief Teams.
The Salvation Army will still assist victims of Hurricane Charley as its focus is shifted toward preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Frances.
“While we will continue to provide assistance in areas affected by Hurricane Charley, we have started to redistribute some of our resources, particularly those along the east coast, in order to be ready to respond to this next storm,” said Kevin Smith, disaster services director for The Salvation Army in Florida.
The organization will immediately dispath its dispatch its mobile feeding units, called canteens, to supply food, water and other basic essentials to some of the 2.5 million Floridans ordered to evacuate by Gov. Jeb Bush.
Already, Salvation Army volunteers have provided 812,000 meals to victims and relief workers and distributed emergencey food boxes and supplies to 72,714 families. With the help of its Social Service Registration truck, caseworkers have registered 3,328 cases for long term assistance. These efforts will continue according to reports from The Salvation Army.
Smith added, “Hundreds of workers and volunteers have worked so hard on Hurricane Charley relief and the thought of having to respond so quickly to another storm of this magnitude is certainly going to test us mentally and physically.”
Although the organization has announced that volunteers are needed to continue assisting Charley victims and help in the aftermath of Hurricane Frances, it stated in a press release that "financial donations will be the best way for the public to help The Salvation Army be well positioned to respond to the emergency needs no matter the location."
Interested volunteers can call 1- 800-996-ARMY for information.
Donations can be sent to: The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 270848, Tampa, FL 33688 or online at www.salvationarmyflorida.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
