WTWO Telethon to Support Hurricane Response
On Thursday October 10, WTWO TV will be hosting a telethon to support The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) response in areas affected by Hurricane Helene.
The Salvation Army is present in all 50 states, allowing them to meet the needs of the most vulnerable communities, especially when disaster strikes by providing:
- Response and deployment – food, hydration, clean-up kits and hygiene supplies
- Spiritual and emotional care – prayer, support, and pastoral care
- Long-term recovery – restore social-service programs and implement long-term recovery plans
Since the hurricane made landfall, 58 mobile EDS units have served over 332,000 hot meals, 35,000 meal kits, 173,000 drinks and 130,000 snacks across Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Hundreds of volunteers and Salvation Army employees have been on the ground serving the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of those who have lost their homes, their loved ones, and their peace. Service statistics are updated daily on the national EDS website for each state and can be found HERE.
To support the incredible efforts of those selflessly serving with The Salvation Army’s EDS teams and to provide the most support to those in need, WTWO is seeking to raise funds through this one-day event. One hundred percent of the money raised will go directly to The Salvation Army’s disaster response, which means that every dollar raised will help those who have been affected by the horrific destruction across the Southeastern United States.
To contribute to this cause, you can give online to the WTWO Hurricane Relief fundraising page.
There will also be opportunities to give in person at the following First Farmer’s Bank locations:
- Brazil, IN : 103 West National Ave.
- Clay City, IN : 801 Main Street
- Paris, IL : 8964 N. Terre Haute Road
- Sullivan, IN : 32 S. Court Street
- Terre Haute, IN : 3497 South US-41 and 2359 S. State Road 46
Additionally, bell ringers will be stationed at Baesler’s Market (2900 Poplar St, Terre Haute, IN 47803) to collect cash and check donations at a special Salvation Army Red Kettle from 8 AM to 6:30 PM.
Tune in to WTWO from 6 AM through 6:30 PM Thursday, October 10 to support these efforts. Throughout the day, viewers will hear from Salvation Army officers on the ground across the Southeastern United States. Those being interviewed include:
- Laurie Fried, Territorial Long Term Recovery Specialist for the THQ Emergency Disaster Services out of Asheville, NC
- Major Ed Binnix, New Orleans Area Commander
- Major Brooks Gilliam, Commanding Officer of the Bristol Corps in Bristol, TN
- Captain Jeremy Mockabee, Commanding Officer of the Lakeland Corps in Lakeland, FL
- Major Jason Smith, the commanding officer of the Savannah Corps in Savannah, GA
- Captain Michael Good, Commanding Officer of the Aiken Corps in Aiken, SC
Several Indiana Salvation Army officers will also be live in-studio with the WTWO team to discuss their experience working in disaster responses. These guests will include:
- Major Marc Johnson, Indiana Divisional Commander
- Major Mike McKee, Indiana EDS Director
- Captain Sarah Eddy, Indiana Divisional Youth Secretary
Thank you to WTWO for choosing to feature the incredible work of our EDS workers and volunteers in order to help us better serve the vulnerable people affected by Hurricane Helene.
