The Salvation Army Eastern PA & DE Disaster Responders Mobilize for Hurricane Milton
Local teams continue to help with Hurricane Helene relief efforts in the south, as more teams from Pennsylvania prepare to deploy for Hurricane Milton
PHILADELPHIA (Oct. 10, 2024) — Relief volunteers from The Salvation Army Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Division are getting ready to provide help and other essential services to the victims of Hurricane Milton in Florida. Once the hurricane clears, which made landfall as a Category 3 storm, The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) volunteers will deploy to the affected areas.
"The Salvation Army Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Division is mobilizing additional personnel today and in the coming days to support on-the-ground efforts and logistics in areas devastated by Hurricane Milton," said Luke Rodgers, the Division’s director of EDS. “Our teams and volunteers have been providing mass feeding, shelter, clean-up support, hygiene kits and emotional and spiritual care in response to Hurricane Helene, and we will continue to deliver these essential services to the survivors and first responders impacted by Hurricane Milton.”
The following Salvation Army disaster relief volunteers will deploy, beginning today and in the coming days, to assist with the relief efforts:
Capt. Jared Starnes (Boyertown Corps) – Florida
Capt. Ismael Ortiz (Wilkes-Barre Corps) – Florida
Maj. Frederick Clarke (Lewistown Corps) – Florida
Lt. Adrian Aponte (York Citadel Corps) – Florida
Capt. Neil Childs (Scranton Corps) – Florida
Capt. Michael Buzzard (Berwick Corps) - Florida
Maj. Ida Perez (Pottstown Corps) – Florida
Divisional EDS Director Luke Rodgers (Divisional Headquarters) – North Carolina
Maj. Sheryl Hershey (Williamsport Corps) - North Carolina
Since Hurricane Helene struck on Sept. 26, an extensive network of EDS professionals and volunteers have been on the ground serving communities across southern states. Local volunteers from across the Division are currently helping with hurricane relief efforts in Florida and North Carolina.
Staff and volunteers from Pennsylvania can provide first-hand accounts of the devastation on the ground and the efforts of The Salvation Army to address the needs of the storm’s victims.
The following disaster relief volunteers are currently deployed:
Volunteer Christopher Winborn (Wilkes-Barre Corps) – Florida
Volunteer Mark Jacukowicz (Wilkes-Barre Corps) – Florida
Volunteer Nancy Brown (Williamsport Corps) – North Carolina
Volunteer Rosemarie Confer (Williamsport Corps) – North Carolina
Volunteer Felicia Goudy (Williamsport Corps) – North Carolina
Divisional EDS Assistant Director Erik Johnson (Divisional Headquarters) - North Carolina
Maj. Christopher Mauk (Chambersburg Corps) – North Carolina
With more than 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: www.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 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.
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