Northland Flood Update: ‘I Can’t Even Put It Into Words’

If you’ve been wondering whether your donation to The Salvation Army’s Northland flood relief campaign has made any kind of difference, wonder no more.

“I can’t even put it into words,” affirmed Jim Rodman, a resident of Duluth’s Fond du Lac neighborhood (pictured), one of many northeast Minnesota communities decimated by the region’s largest flood in decades. The Salvation Army has been serving meals and distributing cleanup kits in Fond du Lac since June 25 (when residents were allowed back in), and elsewhere since the flood struck June 20 (see flood relief photos).

"Absolutely incredible,” Rodman continued. “The outpouring of the meals, the snacks, the water, the Gatorade – it’s kept people going. They don’t have to worry about meals. Just run over, grab a bite and get back to work. Not only the residents here but the MnDOT crews working 16 hours a day, seven days a week. The Salvation Army’s outpouring of compassion has just been overwhelming.”

The Salvation Army has provided more than $100,000 worth of flood assistance thanks to donations from the public and Minnesota businesses. Among other things, the assistance includes more than 40,000 bottles of water, 1,700 cleanup kits and 10,000 meals and snacks, plus hotel stays, bug spray, clothing, gallons of bleach … the list goes on.

A story from Captain Ruth Gibbons, leader of the Cloquet Salvation Army, says it all: While working untold hours providing food, water, cleanup kits and emotional support to flood survivors across Carlton County, she stopped her Salvation Army vehicle at a red light and had one incredible moment.

"I looked to my left and there was a man walking down the sidewalk,” she said. “I could tell by the way he was walking and his muddy clothes that he was dealing with this flood. He looked over at me. He stopped and mouthed the words, ‘thank you.’ I broke down in tears.”

Once cleanup efforts are completed, The Salvation Army will focus on providing groceries and financial assistance to households in need, as resources allow. Flood survivors can still get assistance from their local Salvation Army.

Donations are still needed and very much appreciated. To give:

• Donate by credit card, by calling 800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769) or by mailing a check to 2445 Prior Ave. N., Roseville, MN 55113. Be sure to designate your donation “Northland Flood Relief.”

• Text “Blessing” to 80888. A one-time donation of $10 will be added to your mobile phone bill. (Messaging & data rates may apply. Donations are collected for The Salvation Army by mobilecauses.com. Reply STOP to 85944 to stop. Reply HELP to 85944 for help. For terms, see www.igfn.org/t.)