Working with Agencies to Deliver Aid: The Salvation Army Tree of Lights Continues
St. Louis, Mo., January 5, 2015 – Over the past week, The Salvation Army corps officers and volunteers across the flood regions have administered aid and comfort to more than 1000 families volunteers and first responders. On Wednesday, Jan. 6, The Salvation Army will, once again, join forces with other relief agencies – this time – at Six Flags in Eureka from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; providing flood kits and other tools for combating storm damage.
In the final weeks of The Salvation Army Tree of Lights campaign (ends Jan. 31), flood relief efforts call attention to the importance of these few weeks in winter – the time after the kettles have been pulled but the campaign continues.
According to U.S. Bank’s St. Louis Market President and Chairman of the Tree of Lights Campaign Lawrence K. Otto, these are critical weeks for The Salvation Army. “As a ministry, The Salvation Army tends to go about its work quietly but it’s my job as chairman to remind our community of the importance of giving to the Tree of Lights campaign. This effort is critical to our mission of serving families year-round and in times of crisis such as the one we are currently facing.”
Otto added, “The Salvation Army is more than food, clothing and shelter. For the past 150 years, The Salvation Army has been on the scene of nearly every crisis in our region. This past week, food service canteens were on site in Arnold, Branson, Kimmswick, St. Louis and High Ridge, moving with the flood waters whenever the calls came. Providing aid in a disaster takes a team. No single organization can keep up with needs as great as we have seen this holiday season.”
“The Salvation Army is often first on the scene and, supported by corps across the affected areas, they will be there long after the flood waters recede to serve and comfort those who need it most,” Otto said. “When you hear of a crisis – disasters of the heart or of nature, chances are, The Salvation Army is already there. That is what the Tree of Lights campaign is all about.”
You may donate to the Tree of Lights campaign at stlsalvationarmy.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769). All monies raised stay local and 86 cents of every dollar goes directly into local programs and services including crisis support.
About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army is an international organization that has been faithfully serving St. Louis since 1881. For nearly 135 years, St. Louis residents with no place to go have turned to The Salvation Army for compassion, strength, and encouragement. The Salvation Army serves community members 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year through dozens of different programs and services that are designed to help people attain, or regain, self-sufficiency. For more information, go to www.stlsalvationarmy.org.
