The Salvation Army USA National Fact Sheet Boston Marathon
Alexandria, VA (April 16, 2013) - The Salvation Army is providing support to survivors and first responders in Boston, Massachusetts, following the explosions that occurred near the Boston Marathon finish line yesterday, which resulted in at least three deaths and left more than 140 people injured.
• Four Salvation Army canteens (mobile feeding kitchens) were positioned at various sites throughout the city, including the Unified Command Post, the Family Assistance Center at the Park Plaza Castle, and Kenmore Square.
• The canteens were mobilized to Boston from nearby Salvation Army locations in Malden, Fitchburg, New Bedford, and Springfield.
• The Salvation Army will remain on-site at the Family Assistance Center as long as support is needed.
• As of this afternoon, 2,229 meals, snacks and beverages were supplied to the survivors, families and first responders.
• The survivors and first responders also received emotional and spiritual care from 12 Salvation Army officers and 23 Salvation Army staff and volunteers.
• Eight Salvation Army officers were also deployed to each of the area hospitals where the injured were transported to be on-hand if pastoral care was needed.
The Salvation Army is in constant communication with city and state emergency personnel, and will continue to provide support as needed and requested.
• The Salvation Army is collaborating with the Office of Emergency Management, the Boston Fire Department, the Boston Police Department, Sparks, the American Red Cross, the Department of Child, Youth and Families (DCYF), Riverside Trauma, and the Boston Public Health Commission.
The Salvation Army is extremely gratified for the continued support of the public.
• At this time, the best way to be of assistance is to make a financial contribution at www.salvationarmyma.org/marathonrelief.
• Personnel trained in crisis response are providing service. If you would like to volunteer for future needs or to be trained in disaster response, please visit www.salvationarmyusa.org.
Salvation Army Statements
Major Ron Busroe, National Community Relations & Development Secretary
• "The Salvation Army will be on-site 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."
Major David Kelly, Divisional Commander, Massachusetts Division
• "I am deeply grateful for the quick response, compassionate spirits, and heart for ministry with which our officers, staff, and volunteers responded."
Major Ivan Rock, General Secretary, Massachusetts Division
• "Please continue to pray for those so dramatically impacted by this tragedy."
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About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for more than 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar The Salvation Army spends is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.