Dear Editor:
There is rarely any warning before emergencies and disasters occur as The Salvation Army’s NJ Division knows very well. The terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in 2001 left everyone stunned by the devastation and in despair over the loss of life. Yet within hours, the NJ Division moved manpower and supplies into New York, set up a command post and went into action doing all that was necessary. Readiness was the key to handling the aftermath of such a catastrophe.
Some disasters, such as hurricane, give advance warning. Isabel was closely watched and the east coast prepared for the worse. With memories of 1999’s Hurricane Floyd in the forefront of everyone’s consciousness, New Jersey was thankfully spared from Isabel’s destruction. Unfortunately, our southern states were not. The NJ Division of The Salvation Army was prepared to handle clean-up efforts, sheltering, counseling, food distribution and more. Not needed in NJ, focus shifted to Virginia communities, hard-hit by the storm and NJ Army officers, employees and volunteers made the trek south to aid victims in Poquoson, Va.
The Salvation Army is committed to helping those in need 365 days a year whether disaster is the cause or simply the rigors of life itself. Shelters, soup kitchens and substance abuse rehabilitation centers of the Army are the most visible to the public. After-school, day care, senior centers, hospital and correctional facility visitations, education classes and training, camping, counseling, sports and financial assistance are only a few examples of the programs and services offered by The Salvation Army in New Jersey.
The commitment is made. The Salvation Army of NJ is always ready and prepared. For more information please call Tricia Pellegrini at divisional headquarters (908-851-9300) or visit www.salvationarmynewjersey.org.
Tricia Pellegrini
Public & Community Relations Manager
The Salvation Army