PRESS RELEASE
'Voluntourist' Family, College Employee
Boosting
Salvation Army Flood Service in Minot
More volunteers needed for food service
MINOT, N.D. – July 12, 2011 – A Pennsylvania family and a local college employee are boosting the The Salvation Army’s service to flood survivors in Minot, where recovery efforts are beginning after the city’s largest flood in recorded history.
The Miller family from Beaver, Pa., has been helping The Salvation Army distribute food and cleanup kits to hundreds of flood survivors. Stephen and Karen Miller and their 3-year-old son were about to vacation in Virginia Beach, Va., until they heard about the Minot floods.
“We are spending our vacation dollars in Minot instead of Virginia Beach, having a ‘voluntourism’ vacation,” Karen Miller said.
Minot State University employee Ann Rivera knew little about the Minot Salvation Army before she began volunteering June 28. After two weeks of preparing and serving meals, she’s become so involved that she is helping train other volunteers.
It’s been eye-opening “seeing firsthand how important the cold drinks and sandwiches can be to those who are working to clean up their homes,” Rivera said. “My most touching interaction was with a man who was walking down the street looking dejected, lost and hopeless. He was surprised that anyone would stop and offer food and drink. He thought we were a mirage.”
The Salvation Army needs more volunteers for food service, office work and other duties. Individuals or groups interested in helping may call
701-838-8925.
Monetary donations can be made in the following ways:
• Donate $10 by texting “MINOT” to 80888 and replying “yes” to the confirmation text. A one-time donation of $10 will be added to your cell phone bill. For terms, see www.igfn.org/t.
• Donate online below or by calling 800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769) or by mailing a check to The Salvation Army, 315 Western Ave., Minot, ND 58701. Be sure to designate your donation “Minot Flood.”
Financial assistance for food, gas, clothing and other necessities is currently available for qualifying households displaced by the flood. To learn more, call 701-838-8925.
