Four local disaster volunteers deployed to assist in Hurricane Ida relief
Four female Salvation Army disaster volunteers from Minnesota have been called to assist in Hurricane Ida relief efforts in Louisiana. (Read about how we're helping.)
The team includes three women from the Twin Cities – Susan Marsh, Anne McGuire, Marie Putnam – and Rebecca Snapp of Rochester. All four will depart on Sunday for a two-week deployment in Gonzales, La., located just south of Baton Rouge.
The women are trained disaster volunteers with a history of serving on behalf of The Salvation Army. Marie Putnam (pictured), for example, has been a Salvation Army volunteer since 2007, logging nearly 4,500 hours during the past 15 years. She has served in the aftermath of fires, floods and tornadoes all over Minnesota and North Dakota.
“The thanks that people give you for being there for them is incredible,” Marie said. “Our presence makes a world of difference to them.”
Sue Marsh is also a longtime disaster volunteer. Her most incredible experience occurred in August 2017, when she spent two weeks in Texas serving survivors of Hurricane Harvey.
“I get emotional just talking about it,” said Sue (pictured), a retired school teacher. “I remember speaking with a woman whose son lost his best friend; you hear these stories and it’s unbelievable. You’re helping people during the worst moments of their lives.”
The four women will join hundreds of Salvation Army staff and volunteers who are hard at work serving Hurricane Ida survivors and relief workers. As of Wednesday, The Salvation Army has provided 389,000 meals, snacks and beverages for thousands of people in dozens of affected cities.
Hurricane Ida is the second-most destructive storm in Louisiana history, behind Hurricane Katrina.
“Hurricane Ida inflicted damage in many ways, from severe flooding to the loss of loved ones,” said Robert Myers III, Emergency Disaster Services Coordinator for The Salvation Army’s Eastern Territory. “The Salvation Army is committed to helping these communities recover and get back on their feet.”
Learn more about how to become a Salvation Army disaster volunteer.
You can support The Salvation Army’s Hurricane Ida relief efforts by donating in any of the following ways:
• Visit helpsalvationarmy.org
• Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)
• Text GIVE to 52000 to donate $10 charged to your cell phone bill