Dear Editor:
In the wake of the September 11th tragedy involving terrorist attacks, I want to share with the public that The Salvation Army’s New Jersey Division is not only on the scene, but doing everything that is humanly possible for the victims, their families and all rescue personnel.
The New Jersey Division has several canteens, located in New York and New Jersey, serving meals and refreshments to rescue workers and families of the missing. Grief and pastoral counseling is also available at these locations. Camp Tecumseh, The Salvation Army’s residential camp located in Pittstown, has become a temporary home for relief workers from out of state.
The American people have been extremely supportive of The Salvation Army with donations of goods and equipment for the relief effort. The amount of donations was so great, that a warehouse was secured in Bayonne where goods will be sorted, inventoried and stacked so that we can immediately fulfill requests from New York in a short amount of time.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers who have helped The Salvation Army during this horrific time. Volunteers from all over the state, as well as from individual companies such as AT&T, have aided us on our canteens and at our divisional Headquarters, manning phones, loading and unloading trucks, sorting, boxing and more.
Lastly, I would like to thank business owners and companies. We were blessed to have support ranging from donated supplies to equipment on loan at our NJ headquarters. Many of these companies also provided their own personnel to aid us in our mission.
My heart is heavy in the aftermath of this tragedy, yet my soul is uplifted feeling the love and compassion of my fellowman as we come together in this time of crisis, helping in every way we can.
For information on how you can still help or to make a donation, please call Tricia Pellegrini at Divisional Headquarters, 908-851-8227.
God Bless You and God Bless America.
Lt. Col. Norman E. Wood
New Jersey Divisional Commander
The Salvation Army