27 April 2015

Immediate and long-term efforts in place for relief and recovery

The Salvation Army is mobilizing emergency response personnel and supplies after a devastating 7.8-magnitude Earthquake in Nepal that flattened homes and buildings, causing widespread damage across the region and killing more than 2,000 people.

“We are initiating a response to meet basic, urgent needs with shelter, food, water, and other necessary relief items. We ask supporters to please pray for the people of Nepal,” said Lieutenant Colonel William Mockabee, Director of The Salvation Army World Service Office (SAWSO).

With more than 75 offices throughout the country, volunteers and staff are well prepared to service the immediate and long-term needs of those impacted by natural disasters. Since 1882, The Salvation Army has served the people of India.

“The Salvation Army is poised for immediate response in disaster situations,” added Major Doug Tollerud, Commander of The Salvation Army Northwest Division (Washington, Northern Idaho, and Western Montana). “We’ve been serving in the area long before the earthquake, and will continue to be there long after the earthquake.

“Donations from the generous public will help provide basic necessities that survivors desperately need right now,” said Lt. Colonel Ron Busroe, The Salvation Army’s National Community Relations and Development Secretary. “But the effects of this tragedy will be felt for months – even years. We know that emotional and spiritual counseling is equally important for survivors to deal with the gravity of the situation.”

Monetary donations are the most critical need for survivors. The Salvation Army has set up a designated fund where 100 percent of gifts go to relief efforts in Nepal. There are three ways to donate to the fund:

1. Online at: salar.my/Nepal
2. By phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)
3. By mail: Send your check marked “Nepal Earthquake” to
   Salvation Army World Service Office
   615 Slaters Lane
   Alexandria, VA 22314

At this time, The Salvation Army is not accepting in-kind donations from the general public for disaster relief operations in Nepal. It is more efficient for disaster relief agencies to purchase needed resources locally, for immediate distribution with the disaster area. The best way for U.S. donors to help earthquake survivors is to make a cash donation.