RECENT SALVATION ARMY EFFORTS 
 

Salvation Army Teams Responding to Brazil Mudslide

Sao Paulo, Brazil (April 30, 2010) - Salvation Army emergency service workers and volunteers in Brazil worked around the clock for almost two weeks at the scene of a mudslide which swept through Morro do Bumba in the city of Niteroi, near the capital, Rio de Janeiro. More than 225 people are known to have lost their lives in the disaster.

Thousands of meals and drinks were served to firemen, civil defense personnel, military police and general disaster workers who had been removing earth in their search for the bodies of those killed by the mud.  More than 5,000 people were assisted at the main site and in excess of 2,000 members of the local community were helped.

Colonel Jose Paulo, commander of the fire brigade, praised the consistently excellent quality of food and assistance provided by The Salvation Army.  Another fire brigade leader told one Salvation Army officer that in his 35 years as a fireman he had never received support as good as that provided by The Salvation Army during this response.  He urged the Salvation Army teams to continue their work at the frontline, saying:  "The way you treat us is so calm and courteous.  Your smiles mean that you not only feed our bodies but also feed our spirits and souls."

During an interview with a reporter from the television show Good Morning Brazil, Major Philippa Chagas of The Salvation Army said it was a privilege to be of assistance to the disaster workers, providing physical and emotional support.  The excellent coverage of The Salvation Army's work in the media led to an increase in donations and offers of voluntary help which allowed Salvation Army team leaders to extend their assistance into more of the communities affected by the mudslides.

Clothing, cleaning kits, school packs, mattresses, hygiene items and food were distributed to people in eight communities.

The Salvation Army emergency teams were mainly comprised of personnel from territorial headquarters and the officer training college in Sao Paulo.  Soldier from Niteroi Corps (church) were also involved, as were many volunteers.

While The Salvation Army had to purchase much of the supplies the community also donated a considerable amount, with one Presbyterian church, in Sao Paulo donating more than US$1,500 and providing six volunteer workers.

Phillips-Van Heusen Partners with Salvation Army 

Alexandria, VA (April 15, 2010) -  One of the world's largest apparel companies has partnered with one of the world's largest charities in a national drive for clothing, furniture and household good donations from April 1 through May 31.  As an uncertain economy continues to leave many in need, Phillips - Van Heusen Corporation [NYSE:  PVH], owner of Van Heusen, IZOD, Bass and many other brands, has teamed up with The Salvationh Army to help.  Donors who bring clean, gently used donations to Salvation Army stores during the event will receive a $10 gift certificate redeemable at any Van Heusen, IZOD or Bass retail location.  

"We are pleased with The Salvation Army," said Phillips-Van Heusen Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Emanuel Chirico.  "Our customers have always demonstrated a sense of responsibility to go along with their sense of style by participating in numerous in-store charitable campaigns we have sponsored.  We are thrilled to have this new opportunity to help people in need in the communities in which we live and work by inicentivizing people to bring gently used goods to their local Salvation Army donation center."

The goal of the campaign is to help replenish the stock of clothing, furniture and household goods at Salvation Army Thrift and Family Sores, some of which have seen dwindling donations and additional demand during the economnic downturn.  Proceeds from sales at these stores directly support The Salvation Army's Adult Rehabilitation Centers (ARCs) where more than 300,000 men and women receive treatment for drug and alcohol addictions each year.  

"We are excited to work with a company like Phillips-Van Heusen that understands how important it is to give back and are glad that the Army's customers and clients will benefit from this drive," said Major George Hood, National Community Relations and Development Secretary for The Salvation Army. "Despite the continued uncertainty in the economy, we're confident Phillips-Van Heusen's customers will help The Salvation Army continue to provide critical services to those in need."

The Salvation Army operates a network of more than 1,300 thrift and family stores nationwide.  These stores accept gently used donations of furniture, clothing, household applicance, automobiles and other items which are then re-sold to the general public.  All gifts are tax-deductible and go to support Salvation Army programs and services in the local community.  For more information or to find your local store, please visit www.satruck.org or call 1-800-SA-TRUCK.

Salvation Army Helps Quake Victims in Mexico 

MEXICALI, Baja California, Mexico (April 12, 2010) - Early Saturday morning, Salvation Army emergency disaster vehicles took water, fresh fruit, snacks and spaghetti dinners into Mexico to serve 500 of those hardest hit by Sunday's 7.2 earthquake.

The El Centro Salvation Army has been helping people in El Centro, Calexico, Nyland, Slab City and Bombay, California, but had to wait for a formal request for The Salvation Army in Mexico to begin serving there. That request came on Friday, was quickly approved, and The Salvation Army immediately mobilized a 16' truck, mobile kitchen (canteen), van and pickup truck which they filled with water, non-perishable food, clothing, diapers and other donated items. Before dawn on Saturday morning, volunteers made spaghetti sauce and pasta to serve from the mobile kitchen.

"Led by Mexican police escorts, we travelled two and a half hours into Baja California, Mexico, around buckled roads, through washes and down dirt paths to an area where we found 500 people gathered on a concrete slab waiting for assistance," reported Captain Jerry Esqueda who led the trip.  "We fed them a hot spaghetti dinner with bread and apples, prayed with them and encouraged them."

Captain Esqueda said the 500 lined up quietly for the hot meal, respecting one another and passing bottles of water to the back of the line as they waited.  He said some of the people cried and all expressed gratitude.  After the meal, The Salvation Army distributed enough emergency food to last four more days:  canned beef stew, powdered milk, water, Corn Flakes, bread and pasta.  The remaining food was taken to The Salvation Army Corps Community Center in Mexicali.  All in all, Captain Esqueda says The Salvation Army supplied food for 6,000 meals.

This past week in Imperial Valley, The Salvation Army has distributed 5,250 botles of water, 2,892 cold drinks, 2,460 snacks and sheltered 65 people at the El Centro Corps Community Center (for two nights) as well as providing 244 hot meals.

Salvation Army in Chile Helps Fishing Communities

International Headquarters, London, England (March 29, 2010) - The Salvation Army in Chile is providing vital assistance to coastal communities damaged by a tsunami.  Waves up to five meters high destroyed everything in their path after being set off by an earthquake measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale.

The response is focused mainly on the communities of Dichato and Caleta Tumbes, where many local people fled to high ground and watched as the tsunami destroyed their homes, possessions and livelihoods, and in some instances took the lives of their loved ones.

One woman described how she had lost her 92-year old father.  He  had decided to stay in their house because his son, a local fisherman, had said that he knew the sea well and it would not reach the house.  On any other night that would have been true - but not on this occasion.

Salvation Army officers and volunteers have been working selflessly in these coastal communities to provide food, water and clothes, helping to clear and clean properties that are still standing, and offering spiritual support.  In one camp volunteers are running a children's club to try and assist in their recovery.

Among the many things destroyed by the tsunami were the communities' fishing fleets.  This time of year is the most important for sardine fishermen, the season lasting only three months, and many earn almost their entire annual income in this short period.

The fishermen now just stand by the coast, looking out to sea, not knowing when they will be able to fish again or how they will provide for their families.  The secretary of the fishermen's cooperative in Dichato said: 'The young men may be able to retrain to do something else but many of us are too old.  All we know is fishing - it is our livelihood, it is our life.'

One option being considered by The Salvation Army is to replace the boats that were swept away.  How well they can do this will depend on finding donors who can support the scheme.

Another fisherman described how he and his family fled for their lives to the hills and did not think about their boats.  He said he had just paid for a new boat and did not know how he was going to find the money for another.  His family is currently living with many others in tents and makeshift shelters in woods on high ground inland from their homes.  Others are in a camp nearer the sea in tents supplied by the military.

The secretary of the fishermen's cooperative in Caleta Tumbes thanked The Salvation Army for all it was doing in the community and appealed for it to continue to give assistance.

The Salvation Army continues to explore further avenues of providing assistance and plans to provide support well into the future.  

Salvation Army Passes 4 Million Mark of Meals in Haiti

Alexandria, VA (March 19, 2010) - Just nine weeks since the Haitian earthquake, The Salvation Army has already distributed more than 4 million meals to those in need.

Most displaced people have received food distributions in Port-au-Prince twice a week, at the organization's largest location which serves 20,000 individuals.  But throughout the country, food items continue to be distributed to small towns, churches, schools and much more.

The Salvation Army has served in Haiti since 1950 with over 200 officers and staff already on the ground pre-earthquake.  Because many relationships were already established, The Army continues to smoothly distribute food, non-food items, medical and spiritual care on a mass scale.

There are 7,374,220 Numana meals in the pipeline to be shipped to and/or distributed in Haiti.  This past weekenkd in Bell, CA volunteers packaged 1,022,736 meals.  Most of the food distributed in the Port-au-Prince area has been provided by a joint venture between The Salvation Army and Numana, Inc.  Meals are being packaged by volunteers at mass events throughout the United States.  Numana meals have four components:  Rice, soy, freeze-dried vegetables with chicken flavoring, and 21 vitamins targeted to help the immune system.  Rice and beans are also being shipped, as they are a staple food to Haitians. 

Text-to-Give to The Salvation Army's Relief Efforts in Chile

Text the word "chile" to 52000 to make a one-time $10 donation billed to cell phone account.

Following a devastating 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Chile during the early hours of Saturday morning (27 February), Salvation Army Emergency Services in Chile were immediately mobilized to provide support and comfort.  International financial assistance is already on the way.  The Salvation Army has had a presence in Chile since 1909 and today offers services including hospitals, schools for impoverished children and adult rehabilitation. 

To support its relief efforts in Chile, The Salvation Army has already established a text-to-give program that works on all major cell phone carriers within the United States.  This number is for people who want to give a small amount quickly.

"Strong Arms Around Chile" Update 

Alexandria, VA (March 12, 2010) - Twelve days later, strong aftershocks continue.  As of this morning, three of the strongest afterschocks yet hit within a 27 minute period.  These schocks occured as Chile is inaugurating their new President.

Since the earthquake, The Salvation Army in Chile has been distributing help throughout the country.  Over 15,000 persons have been helped with 14,000 rations of food provided to individuals and families.  As of March 9, over 350 volutneers have helped. 

The quake zone is being referred to as Ground Zero.  The title of this report, "Strong Arms Around Chile" is the name of the solidarity campaign launched by The Salvation Army to help collect donations and goods that can be delivered to the neediest Chileans affected by these devastating events.

The Salvation Army is involved in the following areas:

Santiago Metropolitan Region:  Coffee, hot meals, and other services continue to be served.

Southern Chile:

• On Sunday, March 4, 400 baskets with basic necessities were given out in a location called Caleta Tumbes which was affected by both the quake and tsunami.  The Salvation Army is helping with the clearing of debris.  Storm victims in the area are in urgent need of cleaning supplies, including bleach to disinfect.  Other needs include tents, blankets, and mattresses/cots.
• The Salvation Army is also distributing family baskets (with basic necessities such as food, water, hygiene products, and clothes) to families who are sleeping outside in the foothills since they no longer have homes. 
• In Concepcion, additional family baskets were distributed at a camp in the center of the city.
• In Hualpen, the Hualpencillo Corps has dug a well with volunteers that provide fresh water.  They are providing water to the neighborhood and other community members, as well as it provides a source for cooking meals that are being served.
• The Central Division of Chile has sent 20 tons of food to the cities of Concepction and Hualpen.  Part of this merchandise was purchased with the international aid that has already been received.  These goods are being delivered to those who are now homeless due to the quake and tsunami.

The father of Mayor of Perilillo, a small town in southern Chile, spoke these words:  "Son, on one side you must place those who cry, on the other side you place those who want to work in the re-building of this place.  You must choose where you will find yourself.  Stand up firmly, because you have a town (of people) to raise up."  These words have been carried community to community due to the strength of the meaning. 

The Salvation Army has been shown great appreciation from those receiving help.  Many are simply happy to still be alive.  Most press on the future and they dream of making it through this nightmare (what it is being called by some). The Chilean Salvation Army will continue to work and aid those in need by not only providing necessities but also spiritual comfort and fulfillment.  On the morning of February 27, approximately 3:30am in the morning, much of Chile woke up to a frightening, violent shaking which was caused by an 8.8 earthquake whose epicenter was 63 kilometers (39.2 miles) southeast of Cauquenes in the 8th region.  The country of Chile is divided in 15 regions. 

At approximately 4:30am on February 27, a tsunami was produced due to the earthquake that struck the coasts of Regions 7 (region of Maule - pop. 975,244) and 8 (region of Bio Bio - pop. 1,982,649).  Region 5, region of Valparaiso and the Juan Fernandez archipelago were also affected all; however it was not nearly as severe.  Due to the earth-shattering damage caused by the quake and tsunami, these areas were declared as catastrophic zones by the President of Chile.  Buildings, homes, and national monuments have been destroyed or suffered severe structural damage. 

As of March 7, the official death toll was still reported a minimum of 450 persons.  There are still people missing and that number has not yet been determined.  The majority of persons who have lost their homes are located in the Maule and Bio Bio coastal regions.  In these regions, the tsunami hit and dragged many homes away with the force of the water.  Many of those who lost homes also lost their boats, which was their main source of income as fishing is a prominent source of income in Chile.

Salvation Army Schools Resume in Port-au-Prince

Alexandria, VA (March 12, 2010) - Take a walk by the outdoor classrooms at College Verena in Port-au-Prince, Haiti and you'll hear children imitating animal sounds as their teacher points to a picture of the specific animal.  They excitedly yell their answers, just like other ordinary students.

College Verena is one of the two Salvation Army schools in Port-au-Prince.  It is  however, the only one still standing after the January earthquake.  Prior to the quake, College Verena served as a primary and secondary school (Grads K-13) with about 1,200 students enrolled.  The campus had three buildings for classrooms, plus administrative offices and storage.  The quake destroyed two of the three buildings, the administrative office and the storage area. 

Within weeks of the quake, The Salvation Army staff and teachers worked diligently to find safe places in the courtyard so the children could continue their education.  While the Haitian government prepares to restart schools citywide in the very near future, College Verena students have already received a head-start with reading and math classes.  Instructions of lessons are provided in Haitian Creole but an English course is also offered. 

The quake destroyed Fort National School, which had an enrollment of 200 students.  Future plans call for rebuilding the facility, though it is not known at this time where or when that will occur. 

No children died or suffered major injuries in either school.  There is concern about the large number of children who have not attended school, even prior to the quake, due to limited resources.  There is no doubt The Salvation Army will need to increase the schools' capacity for students as a result of these circumstances, therefore increasing the need for more sponsorships.  The organization is dedicated to providing as many children as possible to receive an education.

Baby Girl Born in Salvation Army School Parking Lot in Haiti 

Port-au-Prince, Haiti (March 9, 2010) -Outside The Salvation Army's classroom doors yesterday afternoon, another miracle occured in the midst of chaos following the January 12 earthquake in Haiti.

Just after 4:00pm, a young pregnant woman walked into the facility that houses The Salvation Army's current school and clinic in Port-au-Prince.  Already in labor, she had no time to make it to the nearest working hospital, 40 minutes away.

Within a few minutes the woman delivered the baby, as staff member Dee Smith arrived to catch the little girl.  Smith, a licensed Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and liaison for non-governmental organizations (NGO) and The Salvation Army World Services Office (SWASO), quickly cleaned and cared for both mother and child.  "She did all the work," Smith said humbled and proud of the mother, "She was relaxed, calm and so strong." 

Within an hour a doctor was on-scene ensuring both mother and baby were medically sound.  Each received a clean bill of health.

Baby Neldine will receive clothes today, from The Salvation Army staff.  This is the ninth baby born at Salvation Army facilities since the earthquake. 

Salvation Army Earthquake Relief in Chile - "Strong Arms Around Chile" 

Alexandria, VA (March 8, 2010) - The Salvation Army in Chile continues to adapt to the changing conditions while expanding its emergency relief response in both Central and Southern Chile.  A curfew has been established from 6:00PM until 12:00PM the next day in the Concepcion and Talcahuano area in Southern Chile and cities closest to the epicenter.  The Salvation Army is working with the Chilean government and Chilean Emergency Service Ministries to support their efforts to provide immediate assistance to those affected by the 8.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Chile on Saturday, February 27.  Salvation Army personnel have to have special authorization to travel during the tightly controlled curfew period.  This authorization and assigning security personnel to Army staff members will alow safe travel during curfew and much needed distribution of supplies to those in need.

As the magnitude of devastation continues to escalate, Salvation Army officers, soldiers, and volunteers continue to work feverishly to provide support and confort to those affected.  In Santiago, several young Salvationist professionals are reaching out and creating databases to facilitate more efficient registration of clients by social workers.  Additionally, they continue to strive to make contact with Christian media in the Santiago metropolitan region.

On Thrusday, March 4, the Christian media will be conducting a fundraising campaign in 12 locations throughout the city to collect donations.  Funds raised in these locations are used to keep the media on air.  On Saturday, March 6, at 4:00AM, up to ten trucks will be utilized to deliver these donations to Concepcion and surrounding areas.  The trucks are owned by the media and some are Salvation Army emergency disaster service vehicles.

The Salvation Army Corps in Concepcion is recognized for their League of Mercy ministry.  The League of Mercy of the Hualpencillo Corps has stepped up to meet the needs and challenges caused by the earthquake and tsunami and are fully engaged in emergency response activities.  Major Juan Carlos Alarcon, Divisional Commander of the Chile Southern Division, has arrived in Hualpencillo from Temuco.  Major Alarcon had been given moving orders recently and was to have transferred this week, however, his leaving has been postponed.

As the Chilean Salvation Army works on the transition of officers and appointments, The Chilean government is also in transition.  On March 12, the new governor of the country will be inaugurated.  While many believed that the central region of Chile was not affected, many buildings in Santiago are now being condemned because of damage from the earthquake.  The strong aftershocks which have reached up to 6.3 on the Richter scale have impacted the infrastructure of many buildings to the point where at least two to three 18-25 story apartment complexes in Santiago have had to turn their residents away and evacuate a five block radius so the buildings can be imploded in the near future.  Many families have been displaced, and all socioeconomic levels are being affected by this disaster.

Salvation Army facilities have been severly damaged in both Central and Southern Chile.  In the Central Division alone, the assessments were completed on Wednesday and damages are estimated at over $500,000.  In South Chile, it is too early to have estimates in dollar figures although it is known some structures are now uninhabitable.  A Boys home, serving 35 children operates in the coastal town of Llolleo.  The administration, dining, and kitchen areas are heavily damaged.  This is a structure that has withstood over 60 years of natural disasters.  Aftershocks continue to inflict damage on the complex.

In El Faro, The Salvation Army has had to completely halt all services for fear of infrastructure collapse.  This complex provided housing to college students whose hometowns are far from this community so they reside at The Salvation Army.

Lt. Colonel F. Bradford Bailey, Chief Secretary of The Salvation Army South America West explains that this has been a very deceiving earthquake.  It initially did not show signs of catastrophic proportions, but seems to be breaking down the infrastructure from the inside out.  Lt. Colonel Bailey also notes "this earthquake has not only caused physical damage but it has caused damage to the psyche and social conditions of Chile.  It has brought out the best of the worst of Chileans.  Many are very disappointed in their countrymen (i.e. looting, vandals), while others have stepped up to help and provide strength that is immeasurable."

He went on to say that "this is where The Salvation Army has an opportunity to step up to offer a ministry of presence, and many church members are finding a chance to share their relationship with God.  This combined catastrophe will continue to not only affect the poocketbooks of the Government and its citizens, but also the soul of the Chileans."

Santiago Metropolitan region:

• The Salvation Army is now providing an average of 3,000 meals a day.
• These numbers continue to grow, and three meals a day are served.
• Water, first aid supplies, blankets, candles and other emergency supplies are to be distributed as needed.

Southern Chile:

• Many towns are no longer in place, totally destroyed by the tusnami.  Some of these towns include Tome, Dichato, Constitucion, Talca, and others.
• Much of the south is without water, electricity and other utilities making cooking and heating almost impossible.

Concepcion:

• Corps Officers, soldiers, and volunteers continue to provide emergency services to displaced residents.

Hualpen:

• The Hualpencillo Corps continues to serve as a headquarters for food distribution.
• As of Wednesday, March 3, they now have three emergency disaster crews carrying provisions to outlying areas.
• Additional teams are being deployed from Santiago.
• The Corps Sgt. Major in this city lost her home to the tsunami, but is camped out in a tent at the courtyard of the property to help take care of people who are less fortunate and in greater need than she is at this time.

Talca:

• The Salvation Army has asked Chilean Emergency Disaster Ministries to open up a fourth front to provide emergency services.
• The Salvation Army has offered to handle emergency distribution to this community.

Communication continues to be very difficult although it is becoming a little better.  Lt. Colonel Bailey expresses sincere gratitude to International Headquarters for its financial support as well as the dedication and service of our officers, soldiers, and volunteers.

Salvation Army Workers in Chile Join Forces

An emergency disaster team arrived on Monday 1 March from Valdivia with goods and resources that could be distributed in the most affected areas.  Vans and other Salvation Army emergency vehicles are delivering meals and other essentials.  Local Salvationists are being supported by an emergency disaster services team of officers and soldiers from Osorno, 250 kilometers south of Hualpencillo.

More than five years ago Major Juan Gutierrez, then corps officer (Salvation Army minister) at Hualpencillo, dug a well with which to water the lawns and gardens around the Salvation Army property.  He never used it but God has honoured his plans by making the well an important component of The Salvation Army's response to the earthquake.

The current corps officer, Major Abraham Marin, installed a pump on Wednesday (3 March) and, using a generator supplied by Major Roberto Moya, corps officers at Osorno, there is now a source of clean water which can be used by the people being helped by The Salvation Army in Hualpencillo.

Major Juan Carlos Alarcon, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army's Chile South Division, says: "I spoke with Major Gutierrez by telephone to advise him that members of his family who live in the [earthquake] zone are safe.  At the same time, I thanked him for drilling the well, which is now helping hundreds of families.  In Hualpencillo, we are not only providing food, but fresh spring water as well."

On Tuesday the corps officers from Concepcion and Hualpencillo, Majors Carlos and Elizabeth Aguilar and Majors Abraham and Norma Marin, met with corps members to decide the type of help they should give to people affected by the earthquake.  Representatives from the regional government, army, navy and other religious and non-government organzations (NGOs) attended the meeting.

The two corps have been officially recognized and lines of communication have been established to help provide immediate assistance and support during the eventual reconstruction.

The Chilean capital, Santiago, was not affected as badly as the southern cities but the earthquake still caused damage there.  In the Brazil neighborhood, 1,500 - 2,000 people are being served with food every day.  Hot meals and substantial breakfasts are now being offered, along with supplies of water, first aid essentials, blankets and candles.

Major Nancy Alarcon, officially on sick leave while recovering from surgery, has taken charge of the many missing persons enquiries arriving at The Salvation Army's Chile South Divisional Headquarters through the Internet, by telephone, in letters and on handwritten notes.  On Wednesday Alarcon and her team were able to respond to Europe regarding a person who was found to be safe in a rural village.  This means of assistance will continue to be expanded.

"Let's Help Hualpen" is the slogan that Captain Marcos Gutierrez, corps officer in Ancud on the island of Chiloe in southern Chile, is promoting in this area on radio and television.  He has received 60 bags of merchandise, clothing, 200 litres of water, 50 boxes of mild, pasta, rice, sacks of potatoes, disposable adult diapers, crockery, blankets, bedspreads and sheets - all donated by the neighbors around the corps.

A municipal truck has been put at his disposal to take the items from Ancud to Hualpencillo, and he will be accompanied on the journey by a local radio personality and reporter from Ancud.

Major Juan Carlos Alarcon concludes:  "We are glad to report that our officers have freedom of movement during the curfews.  Caravans are being coordinated to bring supplies in safely.  We are part of the group of recognized agencies for the administration of assistance from the Government in the assigned zones."

Please pray for the people of Chile.

Students Send Love to Haiti by Way of The Salvation Army 

Alexandria, VA (March 1, 2010) - Students from Convent of the Visitation School, Mendota Heights, Minnesota, recently sent personal notoes via Valentines to Haitian children with words of encouragement, hope and love.  The effort was part of a kid-driven non-profit for kids, who wanted to raise money for victims of the Haiti earthquake that struck on January 12.

"Kids to the Rescue" (KTTR) was formed in 2005 in response to Hurricane Katrina by a sixth grader from Convent of the Visitation School and her friend.  Now 10th graders, the group of math-savvy sixth graders realized that if all K-12 students in the country donated a dollar a year, they could raise $54 million to help othe kids.

They chose Valentine's Day to motivate kids to donate a dollar every year.  The group has a major annual event (Sending Care) that is scheduled around Valentine's Day.  They selected Valentine's because the feeling of giving and love is already in the air.  Through Sending Care program, students this year sent valentines and donations via The Salvation Army to kids in Haiti. 

Samples of the hand-written and decorated cards' words include:  "Sending Love to You," "May God Bless You," "We are Praying for You," "We have you in our thoughts," and "Thinking about You."  Additional notes send love, prayer, hope, encouragement, and more. 

Supporters and friends of KTTR also helped ring bells at kettle locations placed at the entrances of the Metrodome during the Minnesota Vikings vs. Dallas Cowboys NFL football game.  This efffort helped The Salvation Army raise over $7,500 for Haiti Disaster relief.  The KTTR website works like a forum to help spread the word, and connect people and ideas so Kids to the Rescue is able to continue to help other kids.

Text-to-Give to The Salvation Army's Relief Efforts in Chile

February 27, 2010 - According to Ginny Edwards of the Mobile Giving Foundation, "By texting the word "CHILE" to 52000 via a mobile phone, a micro-donation of $10 can be made to aid the people affected by this tragedy.  100% of your donation goes to the Salvation Army's relief efforts in Chile, and the donation appears as a charge on your carrier bill where standard rates may apply."

The earthquake epicenter was approximately 90 miles northwest of the city of Concepcion in southern Chile.  This is approximately 350 miles from the capital of Santiago.  Nevertheless, according to officials on the ground, the quake was of a 7.0 magnitude in the Santiago metropolitan region.  People have flocked to the streets as numerous aftershocks continue to pummel the country, severely affecting older buildings in the more historical areas of the larger cities.  

Salvation Army Uses UPS Tracking Technology to Streamline Distribution in Haiti

 "We are abundantly grateful to UPS for providing this new distrubution system.  The technology will improve the speed of the distribution, helping us to keep the process as orderly as possible,' said Damaris Frick, manager of the Salvation Army's camp in Port-au-Prince.  "At the moment we are struggling with paper cards which disintegrate in the pockets of the bearers.  It currently takes a team of 40 people to sweep through the camp to accomplish a replacement of damaged cards.  That problem will be completely eliminated with this system.  We will no longer need to manually input distrubution data, which will also speed up and increase the accuracy of our reporting process to other NGOs and donors."  The tracking also will give the Salvation Army a way to track the families and their needs in the future as they move from the temporary camp where they currently live to more permanent shelter, she added.

"This is a perfect example of how UPS's commitment to disaster relief extends well beyond financial support," said Ken Sternad, president of The UPS Foundation.  "By capitalizing on our employees' intellectual capital and the company's technological capabilities, UPS is putting the infrastructure in place to help families in Haiti begin to rebuild their lives for the long term."

UPS logistics experts configured the specialized application in less than a week.  UPS technology provider Cardinal Tracking provided the barcode cards and donated labor and equipment for the project.  The system includes 4,000 laminated cards, two handheld scanners and a laptop.

Beyond the immediate need to optimize food distribution, the Salvation Army plans to use the barcode cards and tracking technology to help with the distribution of hygiene kits and tarps to prepare for the upcoming rainy season.  The organization also is considering using the system at four other relief sites.  This is the second time UPS has configured the Trackpad technology for disaster relief. After Hurricane Katrina, the system was used for tracking displaced pets.  In addition to the UPS Trackpad project, UPS's relief effort in Haiti has included:

• $1 million in cash and in-kind donations to relief organization partners, including CARE, the U.N. World Food Programme, and the American Red Cross
• Logistics coordination for relief shipments
• Air, ground, and ocean shipping
• Employee volunteers to help prepare relief shipments and assist relief agencies
• Loaning logistics management expertise to assist the U.N. World Food Programme's Logistics Emergency Team in the Dominican Republic by overseeing warehousing and other distrubution operations

About The UPS Foundation - Founded in 1951 and based in Atlanta, GA, The UPS Foundation's major initiatives include programs that support community safety, nonprofit effectiveness, economic and global literacy, environmental sustainability, and diversity.  The UPS Foundation pursues these initiatives by identifying specific projects where its support can help produce a measurable social impact.  In 2009, The UPS Foundation donated $43.6 million to more than 3,800 charitable organizations worldwide.  Visit community.ups.com for more information about UPS's community involvement.

For additional information on UPS disaster preparedness, please visit pressroom.ups.com/disasterprep.

About The Salvation Army - The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 130 years in the United States.  Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children.  82 cents of every dollar spent is used to carry out those services in 5,000 communities nationwide.  For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.

Salvation Army in Haiti Begins Transition to Long-Term Recovery

February 19, 2010 - Five weeks after a devastating earthquake destroyed large parts of the island nation of Haiti, The Salvation Army is continuing to serve thousands of disaster survivors on-the-ground in Port-au-Prince and elsewhere.  Since the quake impacted on January 12, The Salvation Army has been working closely with multiple corporate partners and non-governmental organizations to provide food, water, medicine, shelter and other immediate aid.  To date, international Salvation Army emergency response teams, along with the nearly 700 personnel permanently stationed in Haiti, have provided more than 2.8 million meals, 500,000 gallons of water, 2,900 tents and 1,500 personal hygiene kits.  In addition, more than 18,000 people have received needed care from Salvation Army medical teams.

"Just as The Salvation Army has provided critical supplies of water, food and medicine to the people of Haiti, we are equally committed to determining  the best methods for helping rebuild a country that lost so much," said Lt. Col. Dan Starrett, Executive Director of The Salvation Army World Service Office (SAWSO)."  As we have done for countless disasters from Hurricane Katrina to the Indian Ocean tsunami, The Salvation Army will commit to a plan that strengthens Haiti for the long-term." 

Since the earthquake, The Salvation Army has worked with shipping companies FedEx, UPS and DHL for logistical support - delivering 821,500 pounds of emergency relief supplies, including more than 2 million meals provided by international hunger relief organization Numana, Inc., an estimated 20,000 earthquake survivors living near the Army's compound in Port-au-Prince.

"It's impossible to over-state the value these companies have supplied to The Salvation Army, allowing the people of Haiti to receive life-saving food and supplies," said Lt. Col. Starrett.  "Without the assistance of FedEx, UPS and DHL, we would not be where we are now in the process of developing long-term recovery plans for Haiti."

The Salvation Army has been coordinating services with other relief organizations as the lead agency for the United Nations in the community surrounding its main compound in the Saint Martin neighborhood in Port-au-Prince.  A tent city in a soccer staduim near the compound has become the temporary home for nearly 20,000 individuals.  At the compound, the Army has registered families so that appropriate aid supplies can be ordered and distributed, established a water purification system which provides 30,000 gallons of water daily, and re-opened an elementary school for 100 children aged three to six years.

Recognizing safety concerns at the camps, Salvation Army food rations are printed with a warning, written in both English and Creole, against human trafficking.  Recipients are instructed to beware of people who are offering jobs in foreign countries and those who are offereing money, food, shelter, or drugs in exchange for sex.   Additionally, as a deterrent to  gender based violence, the Army's stadium generator has been repaired in order for it to be operational during key times of the evening.  A security team, equipped with flashlights and high visibility vests, conducts day and night patrols.

"We have been extremely fortunate that no known acts of violence have occured at our camp in Port-au-Prince," added Lt. Col. Starrett.  "But, we are committed to ensuring that safety and order is maintained as we continue to meet needs."

Salvation Army in Haiti:  Fed Ex, UPS, DHL Focused on Needs

February 14, 2010 - An extraordinary earthquake requires an extraordinary response - a response that The Salvation Army has been able to mount due, in no small measure, to the collaborative efforts of Federal Express, UPS, and DHL.  In fact, within the first month of this disaster, The Army delivered 558,000 pounds of relief supplies for the suffering people of Haiti.

"The logistical precision of this operation is amazing," remarked Major George Polarek, Assistant Director of The Salvation Army's World Services Office.  "From point of origin to opoint of delivery, we have depended on the generous support and expertise of these transportation giants."  To date, among other items, 2.6 million meals, nearly 3,000 tents, and 8,710 pounds of medical supplies were delivered to Haiti.

"Fed Ex filled a critical logical gap in our delivery of goods to our launching point in Miami," according to Bob Myers, Logistics Chief for the Haiti Incident Command Team.  "We could not get food to Miami fast enough.  It was taking 3 days, which was unacceptable in light of the circumstances.  Through Fed Ex's generous donation of their Custom Critical system, food was delivered to Miami, from anywhere in the country, in less than 36 hours."  The expediency of this delivery is due to the use of two drivers in one truck driving nonstop.

Myers added, "Without the use of Fed Ex's Custom Critical, we would  not have been able to ship over one million meals to Haiti within the first ten days.  Their generosity directly saved lives."

From Miami, UPS flew supplies into Port-au-Prince.  When they could not fly into Port-au-Prince, they flew into Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic, then trucked the supplies over the mountains for distribution in Haiti.  UPS ensured that The Army was able to keep much needed supplies moving into Haiti.

DHL provided valuable storage space at the Port-au-Prince Airport.  In addition, when there was no fuel available for sale, DHL provided free fuel for The Army's delivery vehicles.  Without this support, relief supplies would not have gotten to the devastated areas.

Polarek explained, "We are keenly aware that our relief efforts are only possible through partners such as Fed Ex, UPS, and DHL.  They enable us to be the hands of Christ to suffering people."

 Salvation Army Presence in Haiti, Pre- and Post Earthquake

March 19, 2010 - The Salvation Army has been officially working in Haiti since 1950.  Our present assets in the country include:

• 63 Commissioned Salvation Army Officers
• 161 Employees
• 39 Corps and 23 Outposts (Worship and Community Centers)
• 5 Social Institutions (Clinics, Children's Homes)
• 46 Schools with 443 Teachers

INITIAL EMERGENCY PRIORITIES - The Salvation Army's initial Emergency Assissment has confirmed the following priorities, in order of immediate importance:

1. Water - Safe drinking water
2. Nutrition - Food
3. Medical Assistance - Medical supplies and treatment
4. Shelter
5. Trauma, grief, and spiritual counseling

SHORT TERM RECOVERY - Once the initial needs have been met, the next step will be to provide sustainable solutions to make necessities available to the affected population:

• Repair/re-establish local water sources
• Provide water filtration capacity
• Provide assistance to local population to rebuild permanent, more earthquake resistant housing
• Develop strategic plans for long term Salvation Army Program and Facility Reconstruction

INTO THE FUTURE - The Salvation Army was active in Haiti before the earthquake.  We will rebuild our damaged facilities, while continuing our already well-established programs.  We are committed to standing by the Haitian people as they move into the future.

• Medical clinics
• Education
• Long -Term Relief and Reconstruction
• Community Development Projects/Income Generation/Child Nutrition/HIV/AIDS
• Advocacy

HAITI DISASTER STATISTICS AS OF FEBRUARY 23, 2010

FOOD DELIVERED BY THE SALVATION ARMY

• Numana Rice delivered 5,068,089 meals
• Rice and Bean meals served, 397,172
• MEARS Ready Eat delivered 18,400 meals
• Baby Food delivered, 60,265 jars
• Bottled Water 20oz. delivered 44,064 servings
• Jugs of Water delived provided 19,152 gallons
• Water Filtration Systems provided 30,000 gallons per day
• Total Water supplied was 500,000 gallons
• 24 oz. Cooking Oil, 26,880 units

SHELTER

• 8 x 8 Tents delivered provided 3,650 tents
• Cots delivered given to 606 people

MEDICAL ATTENTION

• Patients served totals 24,221
• MASH Tent delivered; 2 tents
• Medical Supplies delivered totaling 10,321 pounds
• Hygiene Kits delivered for distrubution of 4,683 kits
• Eye glasses given to 184 persons

MISCELLANEOUS DONATIONS

• Rubbermaid Coolers delivered at 960 coolers
• Duffel Bags delivered for 922 persons
• Canvas Tote Bags delivered for a total of 10,000 bags
• 5 gallon Buckets delivered: 7,024
• Wide beam flashlights given:  300
• Tarps/plastic sheeting:  3,100
• Jerry Cans/Water Containers:  3,024

SHIPMENTS MADE

• Cargo Flights; 16 flights made
• Containers shipped:  11
• Total Skids (pallets) shipped:  941
• Cargo Items delivered for a total fo 1,379,778 pounds

 Salvation Army Re-opens School in Port-au-Prince, Haiti Following Earthquake

January 24, 2010 - In a small sign that life will return to normal, more than a week after Haiti's earthquake, The Salvation Army will re-open a school in a temporary site at the organization's compound in Port-au-Prince.  Two of the school's main buildings were destroyed in the earthquake and the people are too terrified to enter those buildings that are still standing.  Still, Salvation Army releif workers will provide children aged three to six years old with security, nutrition and medical assistance as needed. 

Prior to the earthquake, 1,500 children attended The Salvarion Army school, sponsored by Kindernothilfe (KHN), each day.  The Salvation Army will offer day-to-day schooling and support for hundreds of children aged three to six yearls old in the coming weeks. 

 Salvation Army Respnds to Midwest Flooding

 June 2008 As historic flooding continues to plague the Midwest Salvation Army emergency disaster services (EDS) teams are responding in flood-affected communities across Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.

EDS personnel are bringing comfort and relief to emergency responders and residents after storms devastated 30 counties in southeastern Wisconsin. More than 15,000 flood clean-up kits have been distributed in 15 counties and The Salvation Army is working 'round-the-clock with emergency officials to identify additional areas in need of support.

Flooding also has impacted communities in southern Illinois and Missouri. The Salvation Army is responding in Adams, Clark and Lawrence counties in Illinois, and Marion, Lewis and Lincoln counties in Missouri. In Lawrenceville, Ill., EDS teams are serving emergency responders and residents three meals a day from a fixed feeding site at the Central Christian Church. They also are offering emotional and spiritual care.

Salvation Army emergency disaster services vehicles (canteens) have been deployed to feed sandbaggers in Quincy, Lawrenceville and York, Ill., as well as Hannibal, Mo. Two hundred kits containing personal hygiene items have been distributed, and The Salvation Army is distributing bottled water in response to contaminated water supply due to flooding.

An EDS team responded in Ludington, Mich., this weekend providing food and hydration to emergency responders after water levels near the Hamlin Dam rose two feet higher than normal. The Salvation Army is prepared to support residents from Lower Tamarack, a town near Hamlin Lake, which is under several feet of water and was evacuated over the weekend.

Monetary donations may be sent to your local Salvation Army earmarked "Disaster Relief," made online here or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

Salvation Army Partners with Habitat for Humanity

May 2008 The Salvation Army is proud to join Habitat for Humanity for this year's 25th annual Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project.  As part of the project that will construct and rehabilitate 60 houses and frame up to 48 more in the host cities of Biloxi Gulfport and Pascagoula, Miss., The Salvation Army is providing $ 7.4 million in down payment assistance to make decent and affordable housing possible in partnership with families in need.  Support includes a $20,000 per home grant (370 homes; $7.4 million) towards the down payment for a Habitat home, breakfast and lunch to all volunteer build sites for the weeklong build, hosting the opening ceremonies at The Salvation Army's Yankie Stadium in Biloxi for 2,500 including feeding and hospitality areas. Daily feeding of volunteers at 10 work sites in three state (Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama) will be provided by Salvation Army staff and volunteers. It is estimated that over 44,000 meals will be prepared and served by The Salvation Army during the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project.

Houses also will be built and repaired by volunteers in many Gulf Coast communities in Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and Alabama as part of the event.  In addition to building in Biloxi and Pascagoula, the Carters also will work on Habitat houses and visit build sites in New Orleans and Covington, La.; Bay St. Louis, Miss.; and Mobile, Ala., to help raise awareness of ongoing recovery taking place in many communities.
 
The Salvation Army is actively working to assist individuals and rebuild communities damaged during Hurricane's Katrina and Rita.  More than $217 million has been spent on hurricane related response, relief and recovery efforts since the storms made landfall.
 
More than 2.5 million storm survivors have received assistance. The initial response efforts primarily included feeding and attending to basic needs as well as providing emotional and spiritual care.  The Salvation Army's long-term plan provides funds for community social service hubs, employment assistance, volunteer support, home reconstruction and addressing other unmet needs in the community.
 
The Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity have partnered to rebuild nearly 600 homes throughout the Gulf Coast.  The Salvation Army's financial commitments have allowed more Gulf Coast residents meet Habitat's requirements for home ownership.  Overall, more than $10 million has been contributed to Habitat for Humanity's efforts.This includes $7.4 million to assist Habitat for Humanity's 25th Annual Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project and $2.6 million for over 200 homes already completed.

Funds are used for grants of up to $20,000 per home (370 homes; $7.4 million), applied toward down payments. The Salvation Army is also providing meal services for thousands of volunteers during the week-long build project

The Habitat partnership is one of many that The Salvation Army has cultivated with government and private organizations along the Gulf Coast.

Salvation Army Responds to Tornadoes in and Around Atlanta

March 2008 The Salvation Army responded to the destructive tornado that hit Atlanta, GA Friday March 15th at 9:45 p.m. Three mobile canteen units provided service to first responders and residents in Atlanta.  Over 1,000 hot meals were served on Saturday in addition to thousands of snacks and drinks throughout the day.  Overnight Saturday the Jonesboro canteen provided hydration services for crews working to restore power to thousands of Atlanta residents.  Canteens from Lawrenceville, Marrietta, Red Shield, Macon and Gainesville have served during this incident.

Major William Mockabee, Divisional Commander, opened a Disaster Operation Center in Norcross to support our response in Atlanta and to assist with a broader statewide response to the severe weather outbreaks.  Twenty-two state disaster response units and their teams have been placed on stand-by in Georgia and will be deployed as needed.  Saturday and into Sunday the Rome Corps provided meals to families in the Aragon area who were impacted by severe weather.

If you would like to support the disaster response please click here...

Salvation Army Responds to Earthquake Disaster in South-West China

June 2007 — The Salvation Army disaster relief workers are bringing aid to those left homeless after an earthquake devastated parts of Yunnan province in south-west China.

An earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale killed and injured many people in Nig'er County on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau (southern Yunnan Province) on 3 June, leveling tens of thousands of homes and causing at least 180,000 people to be evacuated. It has been reported that over half-a-million people have been affected in the region.

Salvation Army Provides Assistance During "Unprecedented" Georgia Wildfire

Providing Assistance To Front-Line Personnel

Atlanta, GA, May 4, 2007 — As Governor Sonny Perdue and other state officials continue to battle the two-week old wildfire in Southeast Georgia, The Salvation Army remains on site providing assistance. Salvation Army Disaster Services personnel from Waycross were the first on the scene when they responded to the fire on April 16th and have been providing assistance since that time.  During the past 18 days, The Salvation Army has served approximately 3200 meals to emergency personnel.  Currently, there is one canteen, better known as a "mobile kitchen" on the ground serving the needs of the community and the first responders.  The Salvation Army anticipates providing food and water throughout the fire department's containment of the fire or as long as there is a need for services.

 "Our main focus has been to provide assistance to those responding to this fire.  We wanted to support the fire fighters who were on the front lines battling the fire.  The community response has been great and we are proud to be a part of it," says Captain Chad Williams, Corps Officer for The Salvation Army in Waycross. 

The wildfire is being referred to as "unprecedented fire activity" and is believed to have burned more than 135 square miles while destroying 21 homes.  Dozens of state, local and federal agencies have been deployed to the area and have coordinated airplanes, helicopters, ground equipment and more than 800 staff and volunteer firefighters in a counteroffensive against the drought-fed fires that have confounded the experts. The biggest of the numerous wildfires that have erupted over the past two weeks, the Sweat Farm Road Fire, has consumed more than 82,000 acres, making it the single worst fire in state history.

Salvation Army Provides Assistance as Tornado Causes Serious Damage and Deaths in Americus

9 Killed as Storms Moved Through Georgia

Atlanta, GA, March 2, 2007 - The city of Americus has lost its entire fleet of ambulances and rescue vehicles.  Salvation Army Disaster Services personnel from Covington, Bainbridge and Atlanta responded immediately to the damage in Americus and were onsite by sunrise Friday morning.  Currently, there are two canteens, better known as "mobile kitchens" on the ground serving the needs of the community and the first responders.  These vehicles and personnel will remain in place throughout the weekend for the immediate response.  Two more canteens from Vidalia and Albany are en route to the affected area. Georgia Divisional Headquarters has dispatched an executive damage assessment team to Americus and by Monday, The Salvation Army will have a recovery team in place to begin providing direct financial assistance to the victims of the storm.

Throughout southwest Georgia, about 40 to 60 homes in a rural area of Clay County were either damaged or destroyed. And in McDuffie County in east Georgia, a possible tornado damaged about 30 homes and destroyed a few mobile homes.

"We're still in the response mode," said Major Paul Fuller, Disaster Director for the Georgia Division. "We are working very hard to assess the damage and determine how we can be most helpful to those that have been impacted by this terrible storm."

The Salvation Army's initial response has been greatly appreciated due to residents being without power and first responders being inundated with requests for help. 

August 31, 2008  - Salvation Army personnel throughout the Gulf Coast have mobilized to respond to Tropical Storm Gustav, expected to develop into a serious hurricane by tomorrow.  The Salvation Army is prepared to respond immediately following potential landfall to serve the immediate needs of survivors by providing shelter, food, water, ice, cleaning supplies, baby supplies, and hygiene products.

In total, The Salvation Army is prepared to provide a minimum of 560,000 meals a day.  Salvation Army units in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas have more than 100 mobile feeding units and three fully-equipped 54-foot field kitchens ready for immediate response, among other equipment.  Additionally, The Salvation Army is prepared to supplement Gulf Coast states with 70 canteens from inland states, as was necessary in response to Hurricane Katrina.  The Salvation Army is already serving 15,000 to 20,000 meals per day for National Guard troops, bus drivers and other responders as well as evacuees in San Antonio, TX. 

To date:
The Salvation Army has served more than 20,000 people.
The Salvation Army is prepared to feed 560,000 people each day.
The Salvation Army already has served 80,000 hot meals, sandwiches, snacks & drinks.
The Salvation Army has 170 Mobile Feeding Units (Canteens), 4 Field Kitchens, capable of producing 20,000 hot meals per day (each) in the many areas affected.
The Salvation Army has stockpiled 50,000 Cleaning Kits (Broom, bucket, mop & detergent) for distribution .
The Salvation Army will minister Pastoral Care to individuals upon request.
The Salvation Army will provide social service assistance to individuals and families. 
The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) is activated and ready to receive inquiries to reconnect evacuees with their loved ones.
Salvation Army officers, employees and volunteers will serve in two weeks shifts before reinforcements are rotated in an ongoing basis. 

The Salvation Army's disaster response activities are supported entirely through the generosity of individual and organizational donations.  In the early stages of a disaster such as this, the Army acts first on faith to meet the immediate needs of those affected by the storms and responses in hopes that donations will follow to fund a sustained disaster response and recovery operation. 
Please note: The Salvation Army is currently unable to accept gifts-in-kind due to logistical challenges of sorting, boxing, palletizing and shipping into a disaster site.  At the onset of any disaster, financial donations are key to enabling a fast and targeted emergency response.  Financial donations also enable us to bolster the affected community's local economy.  

 Tropical Storm Fay Initiates The Salvation Army's First Response to 2008 Hurricane Season

The first of 2008's hurricane season's storms, Tropical Storm Fay, tracked across the southeast, causing The Salvation Army's Emergency Disaster Services teams in Florida, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi to place Mobile feeding Units on preparedness alert and activate Mobile Feeding Units to deliver crucial support those impacted by the storm and flooding as well as emergency aid workers.  The Salvation Army worked closely with federal, state, and local emergency management agencies to provide food and other essential supplies during tropical storm response and relief efforts. 

In preparation, The Salvation Army units in Florida, South Georgia, and South Alabama were activated to coordinate and stock mobile canteens and provide a variety of other aid to residents and evacuees and emergency relief personnel.  Clean-up kits, containing brooms, mops, buckets and cleaning supplies were stocked and disseminated to those whose homes and businesses were damaged by Tropical Storm Fay's waters.  Of special note were the the Good Samaritan acts by the Thomasville corps that fed and sheltered some 25 evacuees from Tallahassee, Florida.

 The Salvation Army responded immediately to the earthquake in Haiti, with local Salvationists being quickly joined by international personnel.  The Salvation Army has assumed responsibility for the care of nearly 20,000 people living in the temporary camp near its compound in Port-au-Prince.  In addition, service sites are located in Petit Goave and Jacmel and distribution sites are in Croix-des-Bouquets (6 miles east of Port-au-Prince) and Balan (18 miles east of Port-au-Prince).  Its medical clinic continues to threat more than 250 people a day on-site, with several transfers daily to the hospital.

The Salvation Army has set up a Haiti Relief Rund and is accepting monetary donations.  Donors may contribute $10 via their cell phone bill by text messaging the word "HAITI" to 52000, and confirming the donation with the word, "Yes,"  Donors may also give through www.salvationarmyusa.org, 1-800-SAL-ARMY and postal mail at The Salvation Army World Services Office, International Disaster Relief Fund, PO Box 630728, Baltimore, MD 21263-0728. Please note that the donation is for "Haiti Earthquake Relief."  To date, more than $5.9 million has been donated to The Salvation Army's relief effort in Haiti.

In Haiti, The Salvation Army operates schools, clinics, a hospital, feeding programs, children's homes and church-related activities through some 60 Corps Community Centers across the country.  One Salvation Army facility, or compound, includes a homes for more than 50 children; a school with a daily attendance of 1,500 children; a medical clinic caring for 150-200 people daily; and a church that on any typical Sunday welcomes nearly 1,000 people.  The facility is less than 10 minutes from the National Palace and is in an area know as St. Martin that is home to predominantly poor living in the nation's capital.

For continued updates, please visit www.blog.salvationarmyusa.org.

 As this immediate recovery work continues, The Salvation Army, which has operated schools and other programs in Haiti since 1950, is beginning to plan for needed long-term recovery to provide permanent solutions and programs to those in need.  Speciific long-term plans include:

• Rebuilding homes to make them more earthquake resistant
• Repairing and installing water filtration systems in impacted areas
• Rebuilding schools, hospitals and other buildings that were severely damaged
• Implementing community delevelopment projects focusing on income generation for families, childhood nutrition and HIV-AIDS awareness

Port-Au-Prince (February 23, 2010) - The Salvation Army is replacing handwriten paper index cards with high-tech barcode technology to ensure that more than 4,000 families here efficiently receive food, shelter and medical supplies.  UPS has donated the technology and adapted it for disaster relief supply distribution.

The system is based on UPS's Trackpad technology, which UPS customers use to track packages within campus environments as the packages move from the loading dock to distributed offices for delivery.

Salvation Army staff members will now be able to confirm what goods each family receives by tracking the information embedded in a laminated card that bears unique barcodes tied to the number of family members, their location in the makeshift camp that has spring up in an adjacent soccer field, and their needs.

This system helps to ensure that all families receive the right supplies at the right time, and may help reduce theft or fraud.

International Headquarters, London, England (March 5, 2010) - The Salvation Army in southern Chile is combining its resources and using careful planning to help people affected by the earthquake and tsunami that caused devastation to much of the country, particularly in and around the city of Concepcion.

The emergency disaster headquarters for the southern region has been established at the Salvation Army corps (church) in Hualpencillo, which is located between Concepcion and the coast.  The corps has a kitchen where meals can be prepared.  There are tents set up at the corps, some occupied by Salvation Army soldiers (members) from Hualpencillo whose homes were washed away by the tsunami caused by the earthquake.

Within 12 hours of the mudslide Salvation Army teams were in place, providing support 24 hours a day for 10 days then for 10 hours a day over the final three days of the emergency response.