The Salvation Army Shines a Light of Hope in the Aftermath of Hurricane Maria
The charity shifts into overdrive to provide resources and care to Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands

In one of the worst Hurricane seasons in a decade, The Salvation Army is unwavering in its continued efforts to serve those affected by the storms. For Hurricane Maria, which obliterated much of Puerto Rico's infrastructure, The Salvation Army is working to meet the essential needs, and start on the path to recovery.

"The Salvation Army is committed to serving those desperate for resources," said Michael Orfitelli, Territorial Coordinator of Emergency Disaster Services. "We are grateful for the continued generosity of our donors and partners. These gifts provide food, supplies, and emotional and spiritual care to those affected by the devastating weather events."

Some key updates for Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands are:
* In Puerto Rico
o The Salvation Army is delivering an average of 8,000 meals per day in Loiza, Fajardo, Humacao and San Juan. This totals nearly 86,951 meals and snacks since the impact of Hurricane Irma.

* In St. Thomas
o In St. Thomas, The Salvation Army has partnered with the Dutch Reform Church to serve over 26,000 meals and snacks, along with delivering food, water, and supply boxes to the poorest communities on the Island.
o In St. Thomas, The Salvation Army is serving nearly 2,400 families daily.
o On Wednesday (9/20), while checking the condition of Salvation Army local units, teams distributed to hurricane survivors 460 bottles of water, 16 clean-up kits, and 72 hygiene kits in an hour.

With a permanent footprint in the affected communities, The Salvation Army Disaster Services provides assistance until the need is met and beyond.

How People Can Help
Response efforts to this hurricane and flooding are expected be costly and last for years. The best way to help after a disaster is to make a financial donation.

Online:
helpsalvationarmy.org

Donate By Phone:
1-800-SAL-ARMY

Text to Give:
STORM to 51555



Mail Checks - ** Please designate "Hurricane 2017" on all checks.

The Salvation Army
PO Box 1959
Atlanta, GA 30301

About The Salvation Army Disaster Services

The Salvation Army is uniquely positioned to serve those impacted by the storm, however long it takes, because they are there before, during, and after impact. Beyond serving immediate physical needs, they also meet the emotional and spiritual needs that are unique to catastrophic events. The Salvation Army:

* Delivers disaster relief to an average of 382,000 people annually.
* Serves every ZIP code in the United States and touches almost 25 million lives a year.
* Has served survivors of every major national disaster since 1900.
* Remains in communities until needs are met.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army, established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need without discrimination for more than 135 years in the U.S. More than 25 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through a range of social services: 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. The Salvation Army tracks the level of need across the country with the Human Needs Index (HumanNeedsIndex.org). The Salvation Army has served survivors of every major national disaster since 1900. The Salvation Army does not place an administrative fee on disaster donations. During emergency disasters, 100 percent of designated gifts are used to support specific relief efforts. For more information, go to SalvationArmyUSA.org or follow on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS.