PRESS RELEASE
Minot Salvation Army Flood
Expenses Approaching $1 Million
Donations, volunteers desperately needed
MINOT, N.D. – August 3, 2011 – Ever since local flood preparations began, the Minot Salvation Army has spent about $700,000 providing mobile food services, direct financial assistance and other services for flood survivors.
“At this rate it won’t be long before we top $1 million, assuming we receive adequate financial donations,” said Major Donald Kincaid, Minot Salvation Army administrator. “There is a misconception in town that we are using government money to serve flood survivors. Not true. We operate on donations and donations alone.”
The need for Salvation Army services remains astronomical. Salvation Army case workers are continuing to provide up to $250 worth of financial assistance for about 150 people per day, seven days a week. A fleet of five mobile kitchens and dozens of volunteers are serving hot meals to hundreds – sometimes thousands – of flood survivors every day for lunch and dinner.
“In order to continue serving, we need more donations,” Kincaid said. “Every dollar we receive stays in the community and is used the day we receive it. We thank the many local residents and organizations that have given to The Salvation Army during this disaster.”
The Salvation Army remains desperate for volunteers. On Monday, only one of five mobile kitchens was deployed due to lack of food service volunteers. A hundred food service volunteers are needed for this weekend alone, yet only 30 have signed up.
In addition, four case management volunteers a day are needed to meet with flood survivors and provide them with financial assistance vouchers.
“The main requirement for this volunteer activity is compassion,” Kincaid said. “If you can handle listening to the stories, and you can fill out paperwork, please contact us.”
Individuals, businesses, churches and other organizations are strongly encouraged to volunteer. To volunteer in Minot visit www.thesalarmy.org/minot, or call 701-838-8925. To date, the Minot Salvation Army has spent more than 10,000 hours serving about 31,000 meals, 35,000 snacks and 60,000 beverages.
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.
