Virgina Tech - Salvation Army

[Rebirth In Flames]

Copied from an e-mail I received from NHQ:

The following information was provided by southern THQ by phone as they monitor the Salvation Army resources being provided to this horrific event by the NCV division.

1. The Salvation Army has had one canteen on site with 2 listed as standby. Yesterday, the canteen served 500 meals to law enforcement and first responders. The canteen will remain in place for the duration of the event which is expected to last a week and will continue to feed the above with the addition of any families of students harmed or unharmed who come to the campus. It is not expected at this time that the additional 2 canteens will be used.

2. The Salvation Army has deployed five pastoral care counselors at the request of law enforcement. Although the situation is fluid and therefore nothing is set in stone,their jobs will be to provide emotional and spiritual care to the families coming to identify and claim the bodies, to the student population on campus, and to first responders and the general community as necessary. Our pastoral care team is supplementing a team from the Billy Graham Evangelical Association.

More information will be forthcoming.

Best,

Melissa


Melissa Temme, Public Relations Director
The Salvation Army National Headquarters
615 Slaters Lane
Alexandria, Virginia 22313

 

[Victrixa]

That's fantastic! Bless their souls.

 

[shadistarr]

Glad to hear that the SA is providing support to V-Tech. So hard to see these kind of things happening

 

[Rebirth In Flames]

Update as of 04/20/07:

SALVATION ARMY CONTINUES TO COMFORT PEOPLE IMPACTED BY THE VIRGINIA TECH MASSACRE

Moments after the horrific shootings that shocked the nation, Salvation Army emergency disaster services personnel were called to the Virginia Tech campus to provide comfort and support to first responders, students, faculty, family members and the Blacksburg, Va., community.

Salvation Army personnel and officers (pastors) provided emotional and spiritual counseling at the inn on the Virginia Tech Campus that was designated for family members. Salvation Army personnel were available 24 hours a day to offer comfort, help families cope with their loss and assist as families were asked to identify loved ones.

In addition, Salvation Army emergency disaster service vehicles (canteens) were deployed to the campus. The Salvation Army has been serving approximately 1,200 meals a day as well as coffee, beverages and snacks to people impacted by the tragedy.

During the candlelight vigil on Tuesday night The Salvation Army offered hot cocoa, snacks and water from its canteen; but more importantly Salvation Army officers provided prayer and emotional support to students coming to terms with the atrocities.

“The presence of The Salvation Army and what the uniform is known for and stands for was a greater ministry than we could ever imagine,” said Captain Karl Dahlin, who was a member of The Salvation Army emergency disaster services team. “The ministry most appreciated has often been just our presence beside them during these difficult times.”

The Salvation Army canteen will remain on campus until tomorrow and Salvation Army counselors are continuing to work with mental health specialists to help ensure the people on campus receive the support they need. Captain Richard White, who is leading the Salvation Army response team, is working with local officials to provide long-term assistance that may be needed.

If you would like to make a donation to support The Salvation Army’s relief efforts, please go online to www.salvationarmyusa.org, call 1.800.SAL.ARMY or contact your local Salvation Army.