Thursday, 21 January 2010 16:35 Last Updated on Thursday, 21 January 2010 17:13 Written by Nick

(Fort Myers, FL)  The Fort Myers Salvation Army office receives daily updates on the relief efforts in place to help rebuild Haiti after the devestating earthquake. Just yesterday, The Salvation Army, an international organization, gave a five-day supply of food to nearly 7,000 people.

Hundreds of others, including infants at an orphanage, received medical care from Salvation Army doctors who are responding to the earthquake. In the U.S., more personnel and supplies are being sent to the country to join the 700 Salvation Army workers who are permanently stationed in Haiti.

The Salvation Army has had a presence in Haiti since 1950 and operates schools, clinics, a hospital, feeding programs, children’s homes and church-related activities through some 60 Corps community centers across Haiti.

In times of disaster, monetary donations and prayers are the two most critical needs as supplies and personnel are mobilized. 100% of all disaster donations go directly towards relief efforts.  Funds are used for immediate response services as The Salvation Army works collaborativly with fellow service agencies to provide food, medical care and shelter to those in need. The Army also incorporates a long-term response to help people rebuild their homes and lives.

The Lee County Salvation Army has its canteen (mobile kitchen) and crew on standby, ready to deploy to either Miami International Airport or Homestead Air Force Base to assist with the repatriation of American citizens from earthquake torn Haiti. The canteen and crew’s task will be to support services such as feeding operations (meals, snacks, hydration, etc.) and providing basic supplies for those Americans coming back home with just the clothes on their back. The local crew of three have extensive canteen training and are ready to be of help. 

“We are blessed and humbled by the opportunity to serve and proud of the crew that will be going over to help at Miami International Airport or Homestead Air Force Base,” said Major Ann Penhale, Corps Officer. “Our prayers go with the canteen crew in hopes that they will be of comfort to those returning back to America,” added Penhale.  Fellow Corps Officers, Major Art Penhale was deployed to Ft. Lauderdale on January 17th and is working with a team of Salvation Army personnel on establishing logistics for the returning Americans.   

Donors may contribute $10 via their phone bill by text messaging the word “HAITI” to 52000, and confirming the donation with the word “YES.”

Donors can also give via www.SalvationArmyUSA.org, 1-800-SAL-ARMY and through the mail at: The Salvation Army, 10291 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33919.

To date, more than $4.79 million has been donated to The Salvation Army’s relief efforts in Haiti.