]THE SALVATION ARMY RESPONDS TO MAUI WILDFIRES WITH MASS FEEDING FOR THOUSANDS
Maui fires live updates: Death toll climbs to 80 as search for missing goes on in Hawaii
People in the Southwest can support the effort with monetary donations
The Salvation Army continues widespread efforts to provide food and other essential items and services to evacuees in Hawaii during the devastating wildfires.
Even from thousands of miles away, you can help with a monetary donation by visiting Hawaii.SalvationArmy.org.
You can also make a safe and secure donation from your mobile device by texting the word MAUI to 51555.
“During emergencies, the best way the public can help is to provide monetary donations which allows the delivery of the exact relief supplies a community needs. Plus, The Salvation Army uses one hundred percent of all donations designated ‘disaster relief’ in support of disaster operations,” said Victor Leonardi, Divisional Director of Emergency Services & Safety for The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division.
Purchasing these items locally also helps the economy of the local community recover more quickly.
After an unseasonably dry summer and strong winds spurred by Hurricane Dora in the Pacific Ocean, spontaneous wildfires erupted and spread across numerous communities on the Hawaiian island of Maui. The fires have already tragically claimed 36 lives and consumed thousands of acres while displacing more than 11,000 people from their homes. UPDATE: Maui fires live updates: Death toll climbs to 80 as search for missing goes on in Hawaii. The Salvation Army is actively partnering with local emergency management and leaders, Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, and other nonprofit organizations to serve evacuees and first responders.
“The Salvation Army is committed to assisting those in need during this critical time,” said Commissioner Kenneth G. Hodder, national commander of The Salvation Army. “Our local officers, staff, and volunteers are extending relief and support to people in affected areas, ensuring that no one faces this disaster alone. We will continue to do everything to support these communities now and well after the flames have been extinguished.”
Working alongside other nonprofit disaster relief organizations, Maui County, and other state and local emergency management agencies, The Salvation Army has already coordinated thousands of meals for individuals and families at Maui County/American Red Cross shelters. The shelters are offering refuge from the wildfires and are a safe haven for people to receive assistance and resources.
Leonardi continued, “When the fires started Tuesday night, we knew the impact would be substantial. Our Lahaina Lighthouse Corps buildings were among those evacuated in West Maui and we are awaiting clearance to return to Lahaina to inspect the property. In the meantime, our Salvation Army officers, staff, and volunteers helped coordinate thousands of meals for our neighbors in need. We will continue to support our community as we assess the damage and prepare for the challenging days ahead.”
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army ranks #4 on Forbes’ latest list of America’s Top 100 Charities and helped nearly 470,000 people in Arizona, New Mexico and Southern Nevada last year through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, shelter and clothing for the homeless, rent and utilities assistance, disaster relief, respite from extreme weather conditions, senior activity and outreach, adult rehabilitation, opportunities for underprivileged children, holiday assistance, and emotional and spiritual support, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at more than 70 centers of operation in the Southwest. Around 82 cents of every dollar donated to The Salvation Army nationally go directly to program funding to help people who need it most. For more information, visit SalvationArmySouthwest.org and follow us on Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn; #DoingTheMostGood #SalArmyLoveBeyond.
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Contact
Scott Johnson
Public Relations Director
The Salvation Army Southwest Division
C: 480-415-4911
O: 602-267-4196