Sep 07, 2005 - 06:01:29 CDT
The Salvation Army's Bismarck Emergency Disaster Unit was dispatched on Labor Day weekend to help with the relief effort for hurricane victims.A mobile feeding unit (canteen) was taken by disaster unit director Al Materi to Dallas, where he will be deployed to help those in need.
Mobile canteens are equipped to serve 5,000 meals per day. The Salvation Army dispatches the vehicles to clean-up sites, emergency shelters and flooded regions.
In preparation for Hurricane Katrina, all Salvation Army units in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi were activated to coordinate and stock mobile canteens and prepare other aid for victims and emergency relief personnel. The Salvation Army also distributes cleaning kits, drinking water, shower units and first aid supplies.
The Bismarck unit is one of the first emergency units from outside the affected region to be deployed. Materi will serve in the relief effort for about three weeks and the canteen itself will remain in the region for up to three months.
Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network is monitoring ham radio transmissions to collect and relay information from the disaster area, including health and welfare information about those affected to friends and family.
To volunteer with the Salvation Army or to make a credit card donation, call 701-223-1889 or 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Checks made out to the Salvation Army may be sent to 601 S. Washington St., Bismarck, N.D., 58504. Visit thesalarmy.com for more information or to make an online donation.
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