Hope Is On The Way
The Fort Smith Salvation Army will be busy serving those affected by the effects of Hurricane Ida. Captain Bradley Hargis, Fort Smith Corps Officer, will deploy to the Incident Command Center in Gonzales, Louisiana to serve as the Planning Chief for The Salvation Army’s ongoing disaster response operations in Gonzales and immediately surrounding areas. As Planning Chief, Lieutenant Hargis will be assisting the Salvation Army’s Incident Commander by managing the flow of information and reporting, supporting The Salvation Army’s overall disaster response in the area.
The Arkansas-Oklahoma Division is also deploying Officers from Hot Springs, Jonesboro and Springdale, Arkansas as well as Ardmore, Enid, Lawton, and Stillwater, Oklahoma as part of the Incident Command Center to help those affected by Hurricane Ida.
Eight mobile feedings units and crews were previously deployed from The Salvation Army in Arkansas and Oklahoma. Disaster response leadership teams are positioned in Gonzales and New Orleans, Louisiana to coordinate the ongoing disaster response.
The Salvation Army was already at work in many communities that found themselves in the path of the storm. Water, cleanup kits, food, and other supplies have been sent to the affected areas. Mobile feeding units and crews have been deployed from the following Arkansas and Oklahoma locations:
• Altus, Oklahoma
• Ardmore, Oklahoma
• Central Oklahoma Area Command, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• Enid, Oklahoma
• Lawton, Oklahoma
• Tulsa, Oklahoma
• Hot Springs, Arkansas
• Northwest Arkansas Area Command, Fayetteville, Arkansas
How People Can Help
The best way to help after a disaster is to make a financial donation to the charity of your choice. Cash is flexible, can be used immediately in response to a crisis, and allows disaster relief organizations to purchase exactly what is needed, when it’s needed. Cash gives relief organizations the means to procure supplies near the affected area, which cuts down on transportation time and cost. Monetary contributions also support local economies and ensure that businesses can operate when relief supplies diminish.
It’s easy to support The Salvation Army’s disaster relief program:
• Donate Online: www.helpsalvationarmy.org
• Donate by Mail: The Salvation Army PO BOX 1959, Atlanta, GA 30301 Please designate 'Disaster Relief - Hurricane Ida' on all checks.
• Donate by Phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)
• Donate by Text: Text GIVE to 52000 to donate $10 automatically through cell phone bill.