May 23 – May 29 has been designated National Hurricane Preparedness Week in anticipation of the 2010 hurricane season that begins June 1. For now, forecasters predict a more active storm season compared to last year’s generally mild one, but being informed and prepared can help diminish the damaging effects of hurricanes.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has set up a helpful page online about hurricane hazards, preparedness information, and practical ways to plan ahead. Click here or visit http://www.nhc.noaa.gov to learn more. Plus, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has a fun page for kids with lots of hurricane background information so that they can be knowledgeable and prepared as well.
And you have probably seen in the news or even been served by The Salvation Army as we provide needed relief following hurricanes and other disasters. In fact, The Salvation Army’s first major disaster response effort in the United States followed the devastating hurricane that destroyed Galveston, TX in 1900, so we have a long history of disaster relief! Our goal is to meet human need by providing material, physical, emotional, and spiritual comfort to survivors and first responders, which could come in the form of a hot meal, a temporary shelter, financial assistance, a shoulder to lean on, and many other things.
Hopefully the referenced links will be helpful as you prepare for hurricane season. We’ll keep you updated on important information and our efforts this season. Be sure to visit our website at www.salvationarmyusa.org, as well as our national Facebook and Twitter pages!
There is something cheerful and nostalgic about seeing roadside lemonade stands run by eager, entrepreneurial children. Nothing beats following the crayon-etched signs and dropping a few quarters into a tackle box-turned-cash register, then being greeted by a kid beaming with accomplishment as they hold up a refreshing homemade beverage in return.
That’s why we’re excited about a creative benefit called “LemonAiD Days” to support homeless children and their parents, an effort organized by The Salvation Army in Central Kentucky. Beginning June 1st, individuals and groups in this area can register their lemonade stand online or at their local Salvation Army. Participants will receive a LemonAiD kit in the mail that includes official badges, posters, and return envelopes for proceeds.
This fundraiser is a great way for kids to practice creativity, learn about economics, and be empowered to make a difference in their community. Proceeds will benefit The Salvation Army’s Comprehensive Emergency Shelter for families in Central Kentucky, with funds supporting the operational expenses associated with housing homeless children, such as providing food, lodging, diapers, clothing, and child-care.
For more information or to register online, visit www.lemonAiDdays.org. To learn more about The Salvation Army in Central Kentucky, visit www.salvationarmylex.org.
We’ve been posting a lot recently about our partnering with hunger relief organization Numana, Inc. to host community meal packing events around the country for Haiti earthquake survivors. Yes, even four months after the disaster, much help is still needed and will continue to be needed for a long time.
Today, May 21, and tomorrow, May 22, volunteers will gather in Philadelphia at Drexel University to help The Salvation Army prepare 1 million meals. We we will ship and distribute the food to the 20,000 displaced Haitians that we are caring for in Port-au-Prince. We’re looking for 5,000 volunteers to make this possible, so if you want to get involved, register online at www.SalvationArmyPhiladelphia.org. We need your help!!
And we think it’s pretty cool that the Philadelphia Eagles are partnering with us for this event! This afternoon Eagles guard and Haiti native Max Jean-Gilles, Eagles linebacker Akeem Jordan and Eagles employees will be volunteering in our effort to provide nutritious meals to earthquake survivors.
Come out and lend a hand for a few hours while making a big difference in the lives of those in need. Here are some important links for more information including the event’s address and important FAQ:
* The Salvation Army Philadelphia’s Website -www.SalvationArmyPhiladelphia.org/millionmeals
* Facebook – SalvationArmyPhiladelphia
* Twitter – @SalArmyPhilly
[Million Meal Event]
Photo: The Salvation Army Western Territory
As The Salvation Army continues our relief work in Haiti following January’s earthquake, we need 2,000 volunteers to help us prepare more meals for earthquake survivors.
The Salvation Army and Numana Inc. will be hosting another Million Meals Packing event next weekend in Seattle, Washington on Saturday, May 29 and Sunday, May 30 at the Washington State Convention Center.
You and your friends are invited to the packing party, where you will prepare bags of vitamin-fortified rice, beans and vegetables. One bag is enough to feed a family of six! The work required is simple, but it’s a great time and your efforts will go a long way in benefiting the lives of others in need.
*If you’re in the Seattle area and ready to volunteer a few hours of your time, visit The Salvation Army Northwest Division’s registration page at http://www.salvationarmynw.org/haiti for more information.*
For fun photos of past events, check out The Salvation Army Western Territory’s Flickr page here.