06 October 2017

Portland, ME - Retired Major David Dickson of Standish, Maine who has 26 years of Disaster Relief Experience with The Salvation Army is on standby to deploy to St. Croix.  Major Dickson provided assistance to responders and survivors of 911, Hurricane Andrew and many other disasters.  “I am happy to serve the people of St. Croix and address whatever is needed at this time,” stated Major Dickson.

Lieutenant Anagelys Cruz from the Capital Region Salvation Army in Augusta will deploy to Puerto Rico next week to assist in the continuing relief efforts serving those affected by Hurricane Maria.

Lt Cruz was born in Puerto Rico and lived in the city of Arecibo with her family which is located on the northern coastal valley region of the island.  Her parents, little brother and many friends remain on the island trying to rebuild their lives after the overwhelming destruction of hurricane Maria.

In one of the worst Hurricane seasons in a decade, The Salvation Army is unwavering in its continued efforts to serve those affected by the storms. For Hurricane Irma and Maria, which obliterated much of Puerto Rico’s and the U.S. Virgin Islands’ infrastructure, The Salvation Army overcomes supply chain challenges to ensure priority needs are met. Last week, The Salvation Army shipped to the areas of greatest need:

• 112,680 bottles of water
• 6,720 meals ready to eat
• 2 pallets of tarps
• 5 cases of water filtration
• 4,530 snacks ready to eat
• 1,000 cases of organic baby food

“We have truly turned a corner to persevere and deliver hope and help to our neighbors in need,” said Michael Orfitelli, Territorial Coordinator of Emergency Disaster Services. “We are grateful for the continued generosity of our donors and partners. These gifts provide food, supplies, and emotional and spiritual care to those affected by the devastating weather events.”

Some key updates for Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands are (as of 9.29.17):

• In Puerto Rico
  • The Salvation Army continues to fight to meet the needs of San Juan, Loiza, Fajardo, Humacao, Guayama, Ponce, Areciro, Mayaguez, Penuelas, and Caguas.
  • In total, nearly 273,400 meals and snacks have been distributed to those in need since the impact of Hurricane Irma.
     
• In St. Thomas
  • In St. Thomas, The Salvation Army has partnered with the Dutch Reform Church to serve almost 72,000 meals and snacks, along with delivering food, water, and supply boxes to the poorest communities on the Island. These resources are delivered to nursing homes, one skilled care facility, and shelters of the American Red Cross and Catholic Charities.
  • In St. Thomas, The Salvation Army is serving nearly 6,000 families daily.
     
• In St. John
  • The Salvation Army is partnering with a local cafe to serve 1,200 families each day.
     
• In St. Croix
  • The Salvation Army is serving nearly 1,000 families each day.

With a permanent footprint in the affected communities, The Salvation Army Disaster Services will continue to provide assistance until the need is met and beyond.

How You Can Help

Response efforts to this hurricane and flooding are expected be costly and last for years. The best way to help after a disaster is to make a financial donation.

Text to Give: STORM to 51555 Mail Checks - ** Please designate “Hurricane 2017” on all checks.  The Salvation Army  PO Box 1959  Atlanta, GA 30301

Online: 
helpsalvationarmy.org 

Donate By Phone: 
1-800-SAL-ARMY