Press Release: Hurricane Michael Response - Salvation Army Deploys Major David Luft
THE SALVATION ARMY INDIANA DIVISION DEPLOYS MAJOR DAVID LUFT TO SERVE EMOTIONAL AND SPIRITUAL CARE IN FLORIDA
Indianapolis, IN – The Salvation Army Indiana Division is aiding emergency disaster response teams in Florida with the deployment of Major David Luft of Kokomo, Indiana. Major Luft, who is an ordained Salvation Army Officer (pastor), will fly out of the Indianapolis Airport on Wednesday, October 17 to join relief efforts in the area. Major Luft will be supporting with emotional and spiritual care to hurricane survivors and first responders. This care is a unique and important portion of The Salvation Army’s overall disaster response that is motivated by Christian faith.
The Salvation Army has been working day and night since October 10 to mobilize response teams in the affected states. When Michael made landfall in the Florida Panhandle, it was a Category 4 hurricane, the strongest on record to hit the area. The Salvation Army currently has in place more than 71 mobile feeding units (canteens) stationed in affected areas of Florida. Each canteen is capable of serving up to 1,500 meals per day and is assigned to specific routes to ensure that residents in need have access to food, water, and emotional and spiritual care. Trained disaster response volunteers and Salvation Army officers are also able to distribute clean-up and hygiene kits to residents and support to first responders. As of writing, Salvation Army units had provided almost 84,000 meals in response areas.
Major Luft joins others relief teams across the country that are moving in as quickly as conditions allow to begin service as soon as possible. Additional trained disaster volunteers and Salvation Army personnel in Indiana are on standby for future deployments. Indiana’s eleven canteens have been prepped and are ready in the case they are needed as part of the continued response effort.
The best way to support The Salvation Army’s response to Hurricane Michael is through a financial contribution. Cash donations allow The Salvation Army to made cost-efficient purchases through partnerships, support the local economy in affected areas, and avoid logistical challenges that come with in-kind donations. To contribute to relief efforts, visit HelpSalvationArmy.org, call 1-800-SAL-ARMY, or text the word STORM to 51555.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination since 1865. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through a broad array of social services that include 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. About 82 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services in nearly 5,000 communities nationwide.