15 April 2013

The Salvation Army is providing support to survivors and first responders in Boston, Massachusetts, after two explosions occurred near the Boston Marathon finish line this afternoon. The blasts caused at least two deaths and dozens of injuries for runners and spectators.

Salvation Army officers and volunteers have deployed two canteens (mobile feeding kitchens) to downtown Boston; one of the canteens will be stationed at the staging area for emergency responders, and the other will be stationed at a gathering spot for impacted families. Salvation Army officers who are trained in crisis counseling are also headed to relevant locations to provide emotional and spiritual care.

“The Salvation Army will be onsite for as long as needed to provide support. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Boston and all who were impacted by the explosions,” said Major Ron Busroe, National Community Relations and Development Secretary for The Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army is in constant communication with city and state emergency personnel, and will be providing support as needed and requested.

For continued updates and more information from The Salvation Army, please visit The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services blog.