The Salvation Army responds to devastating earthquake in Nepal
Alexandria, Va. – The Salvation Army is mobilizing emergency response personnel and supplies after a devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Nepal that flattened homes and buildings, causing widespread damage across the region and killing more than 2,000 people.
“We are initiating a response to meet basic, urgent needs with shelter, food, water, and other necessary relief items. We ask supporters to please pray for the people of Nepal,” said Lieutenant Colonel William Mockabee, director of the Salvation Army World Service Office (SAWSO).
With more than 75 offices throughout the country, volunteers and staff are well prepared to service the immediate and long-term needs of those impacted by natural disasters.
The Salvation Army has been in India since 1882 and in Nepal since 2009. Right now The Salvation Army has mobilized to bring food, water, shelter and other needed supplies to those suffering.
“Donations from the generous public will help provide basic necessities that survivors desperately need right now,” said Lt. Colonel Ron Busroe, The Salvation Army’s national community relations and development secretary. “But the effects of this tragedy will be felt for months – even years. We know that emotional and spiritual counseling is equally important for survivors to deal with the gravity of the situation.”
The Salvation Army efforts have indigenous people on the ground with long-standing ties to the region who know the culture and speak the language. We aim to brings the peace of Christ into a chaotic and terrifying situation. Along with the physical needs, the ministry on the ground is bathed in prayer and knowledge of God’s strength and grace.
How to Help
Monetary donations are the most critical need for survivors. The Salvation Army has set up a designated fund where 100 percent of gifts go to relief efforts in Nepal. Give to the Nepal fund online.
You can also call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769) or mail check donations to The Salvation Army Northern Division, 2445 Prior Ave. N., Roseville, Minn. 55113. Simply designate “Nepal Earthquake” in the memo line.
In Kind Donations
If you want to help those in Nepal, monetary donations are the best way to provide immediate assistance. Due to the emergency situation, The Salvation Army will not be able to take any individual donations of household goods or clothing (gifts-in-kind) to the disaster area.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for more than 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. Of every dollar donated, 82 cents goes directly to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to SalvationArmyUSA.org.
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