28 May 2014

A very special “thank you” to Bartell Drugs and its customers for its overwhelming donation to support The Salvation Army response and recovery efforts in areas impacted by the mudslide in Snohomish County, WA.

Soon after the mudslide on March 22, Bartell leadership announced that it would raise money through customer donations at its 63 stores in the Puget Sound area. George D. Bartell, Chairman and CEO, also committed a corporate donation to match the donations – up to $10,000.

Imagine his surprise when Bartell customers stepped up and donated more than $80,000. The corporate match was extended to $20,000 – for a complete donation of $100,000.

“Once again, the generosity of our customers underscores the sense of community we share here in the Puget Sound area,” said Bartell. “The impacts of this tragedy continue, and this donation will be committed to on-the-ground recovery efforts.”

     

The Salvation Army Northwest Division sent emergency disaster teams to the mudslide site immediately after tragedy. Response teams provided food, shelter, and clothing – mostly in the form of vouchers to grocery stores, department stores, and hotels.

One valuable form of assistance was vouchers to gas stations for people who couldn’t travel on Highway 530, thus commutes for work and other necessities were increased in time and cost. During the first month of response, The Salvation Army provided approximately $25,000 of assistance.

After the initial response, The Salvation Army continued its work of recovery in the area, and is now partnering with other agencies to help coordinate efforts. Most important is the appointment of caseworkers who act as advocates and counselors for the families needing assistance. Families need to visit only one location and speak with one caseworker to have a variety of needs met. As of late May, there are 60 open cases (family units).

Future assistance will include help with mortgages, rent and utility payments, food and clothing, gasoline, home clean up, and septic tank maintenance.

     

On a fun note, The Salvation Army will double the number of kids from the area who will attend Salvation Army summer camp this year (now planning for 50 kids). This will be a great escape for the kids and a welcome respite for their parents. This week-long, sleep-away camp is located in Eatonville and provided at no cost to the families. Transportation is also provided.

The Salvation Army has been serving the community of Snohomish County since 1894.

"We are grateful to Bartell Drugs and its customers for this generous donation," said Major Doug Tollerud, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army in the Northwest. "It will take much time and money to continue assisting the families impacted by the Oso mudslide -- and The Salvation Army will be there for as long as it takes."

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In Other News

The continued work of The Salvation Army relies on the generosity of donors like you. Your donations throughout the year, enable us to provide much needed services and programs - whether it is helping communities recover from disasters or providing summer camp experiences for hundreds of kids - like the Oso community kids - who will participate in the weekly camping sessions at Camp Arnold and Camp Gifford. Your donations also help us to provide support funding for community Summer Day Camp programs.

We can't do it without you! Click Here to make a donation and thank you for your support!

Related:  Send Your Child To Summer Camp - Weekly Camp Sessions Begin Soon! For more information Click Here.

Related:  Summer Day Camp Programs Opening Soon! For more information Click Here.

Related:  New Video Series on SAVN.tv - Camp Daze! Watch it now by Clicking Here