PRESS RELEASE
Salvation Army Continues Assistance in Tornado-Ravaged Mapleton, Iowa
April 12, 2011 – The Salvation Army in the Sioux City, Iowa area (Siouxland) continues its efforts to assist the residents and relief workers in Mapleton, Iowa, as they begin the process of recovery from an EF3 tornado that ripped through the town late on Saturday evening. As a fleet of heavy equipment and dump trucks moved into the streets of Mapleton on Monday morning, The Salvation Army provided donuts, coffee and other breakfast items to workers and residents beginning the clean up efforts.
In Early, Iowa the power was restored and that community rapidly moved forward in its restoration efforts. The Salvation Army team in Early completed their feeding and sheltering efforts at noon on Monday in Early and redeployed to assist in Mapleton, Iowa.
While damage assessment continued on Monday afternoon, partial reports indicate that at least 140 homes in the community are destroyed, as are a significant number of city and Monona County buildings. Power has been restored to 90% of the community, but access to the community continues to be restricted.
Salvation Army officers and volunteers are serving three meals day and providing thousands of bottles of drinks and snacks to workers and residents. Volunteers are moving through the community on a continuing basis to provide beverages and food to those working on debris removal, clean-up and home repairs. A number of Salvation Army officers and staff have had opportunities to pray with residents and relief workers through the course of the day on Monday.
Captain Von R Vandiver, the commanding officer of Siouxland’s Salvation Army said, “The devastation in Mapleton is just tragic. This lovely Iowa town has had so many family homes and local businesses destroyed or damaged beyond repair. But the community has rallied to help each other. It is our privilege to be here to help them in this time of need. The Salvation Army will continue to be here to help the good folks of Mapleton recover from this storm.”
The Salvation Army is coordinating its relief efforts with the City of Mapleton, Monona County, Iowa government authorities, and the American Red Cross. The Army is providing services from its mobile kitchen located on Main Street in the center of the city.
The Salvation Army serves in more than 100 countries and provides both immediate emergency assistance and long-term recovery help in the event of any disaster. Funds for The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services come from corporate and private donations given specifically for disaster relief. To volunteer with The Salvation Army or to make a credit card donation, call 651-746-3400 or 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Checks made out to The Salvation Army may be sent to 2445 Prior Ave., Roseville, MN 55113. Click below to make an online donation.
