PRESS RELEASE
The Salvation Army Dedicates Half a Million Dollars
to Minot Flood Relief
MINOT, N.D. – July 15, 2011 – The Salvation Army announced today that it will dedicate $500,000 to flood relief efforts in Minot and the surrounding area. To date the organization has invested nearly $100,000 in recovery efforts.
“This is a historic disaster and it needs a historic response,” said Major Donald Kincaid, Minot Salvation Army leader. “Since the waters spilled over the levee on June 22, The Salvation Army hasn’t taken a day off in response. We expect to be on this mission of hope and compassion for months to come.”
The Minot Salvation Army investment in this flood recovery effort is nearly $74,000 more than its annual community outreach. The funds have been guaranteed by its divisional disaster office that covers both states of Minnesota and North Dakota.
“In 1906 the national commander of The Salvation Army, Evangeline Booth, dedicated its entire available budget to the people of San Francisco after that historic earthquake,” said Kincaid. “When questioned about the wisdom of such a move she said, ‘God will provide.’ The records show that He did. We will trust in God for Minot’s recovery as well.”
Each day Salvation Army relief crews canvass neighborhoods providing meals, water, cleaning supplies and most important encouragement and a compassionate ear.
“Our primary job is to comfort flood survivors,” said Kincaid. “Sometimes that is food, sometimes financial assistance, but sometimes it is a quiet prayer.”
More than 7,000 meals have been served along with nearly $40,000 in financial assistance and cleaning supplies.
But without resources it is impossible to continue the seven-day-a-week service.
“Along with financial contributions, we are in desperate need of volunteers to join our efforts,” said Kincaid.
There are many opportunities to serve in the flood relief, from driving one of the four mobile kitchens delivering meals daily, to working in the thrift store providing free clothing and other items to families who have been driven from their homes.
To volunteer in Minot visit www.thesalarmy.org/minot. Or 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.
