Help at a Moment's Notice
Disaster can strike at any moment, even during the holidays. For The Salvation Army, this means that we must be ready to respond at a moment’s notice to give help when and where it is needed. This fall, two Parke County families experienced firsthand the importance of our mission to serve others in their time of need.
Salvation Army Service Extension units offer resources year-round to meet basic needs in Indiana communities, such as rent, utility assistance, food vouchers, and gas cards for those who struggle to make ends meet. But two consecutive calls from the Parke County Sheriff demonstrated how quickly circumstances can change, turning stability into crisis in the blink of an eye.
The first call involved a family of four who had just left their Rosedale home when it caught fire, causing extensive damage. Within days of this disaster, a second call concerned a family in Marshall that was home when their house suddenly began to go up in flames, giving them barely enough time to safely evacuate with their three children. Two consecutive disasters, both leaving families without even the basic essentials.
Deputies knew that The Salvation Army could be counted on for quick and essential assistance. Thanks to the generosity of donors throughout the year, funds were immediately available for these devastated families, providing each household with $500 to purchase basic necessities from Walmart. In times of crisis, quick response is essential and offers some peace of mind after a traumatic experience.
While Salvation Army volunteers worked to help these two families, they also continued to provide for others in need of assistance. In Parke County, The Salvation Army offers food vouchers for the local IGA for families in need throughout the year. This fall, the team was also able to provide checks for Walmart to help twenty families purchase both food and Christmas presents for their children.
Whether facing daily obstacles, seeking hope for the holidays, or recovering from a disaster, The Salvation Army is here to help however we can.
Learn more about The Salvation Army's Emergency Disaster Services program, including ways to get involved as a volunteer, by visiting Disaster.SalvationArmyUSA.org.