In Brainerd, 500 meals served … and counting
Hot meals from The Salvation Army have made life much more comfortable for storm survivors in the Brainerd Lakes area as they begin their third day of living without electricity.
“The best pancakes in Crow Wing County,'” said Kristy Nelson, who traveled from New Ulm to help clean debris at her mother’s lake home. “We really appreciate the meal, it means a lot to us.”
With sweaty brows and soaked shirts, the Nelsons appeared to have already worked an eight-hour shift when they arrived for breakfast this morning at The Salvation Army mobile kitchen.
Staff and volunteers have served more than 500 meals to relief workers and residents in the Brainerd Lakes area following Sunday’s storm. The Army will continue to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner during the next several days as crews work to clean up the area.
“There are just trees down everywhere,” said Lt. Grant Holloway, Brainerd Salvation Army administrator. “We have our mobile kitchen parked at Timberwood Church and we will serve meals morning, noon and night until power is restored.”
Timberwood Church is located at 23084 Minnesota Hwy. 371 in Nisswa.
“We’re going back up (to Timberwood) for lunch to see our new friends,” Nelson said with a smile. “It’s really nice to have that support. Very helpful.”
The Nelsons have been told that the earliest electricity will be restored is Thursday. Thanks to a generator, they’re able to keep their refrigerator and freezer running; have a light on; and charge their cell phones. But they must haul water in to do things like flush the toilet.
The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services relies on donations, including the money that goes into kettles at Christmas. Thanks to your support, we will be in Brainerd providing support until the crisis is over.
“Really grateful for everybody who’s helped,” Nelson said. “The difference it makes is incredible. Come this winter when the kettles come out again, it’ll be a fond memory, hopefully, of what good it did for us.”
Local electrical companies said that, as of this morning, 6,000 people are still without power. And it may not be fully restored until this weekend.
The National Weather Service reported wind speeds of up to 70 mph during the storm. Officials say the storm hit with the same force as a category one hurricane.
Please join The Salvation Army by volunteering or making a donation. Your donation will support The Salvation Army’s efforts in your billing ZIP code. If you would prefer to donate in person, please call The Brainerd Salvation Army at 218-829-1120.