The Salvation Army Responds to Immediate Needs of Survivors and Relief Workers in Southern California...( Agency Providing 10000 Meals per...),Health

Agency Providing 10,000 Meals per Day, Emotional & Spiritual Care

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Having completed recovery efforts surrounding the 2003 southern California wildfires only weeks ago, The Salvation Army has once again mobilized to provide assistance and support to relief workers and survivors in the wake of the latest series of blazes. To date, nine mobile canteen units have been deployed throughout the area and six additional units have been mobilized. Thus far, the canteens have provided more than 15,000 meals and 15,000 drinks to thousands of individuals impacted by the disaster. In addition, the Army is providing cots, cups and personal care kits to responders and survivors, along with emotional and spiritual care.

Our primary goal is responding to the immediate needs of the thousands of evacuees and relief workers in the area," said Lt. Col Doug O'Brien, Divisional Commander, The Salvation Army's Sierra Del Mar Division covering San Diego County. "Over the long-term, we expect to have many thousands of people who will need our help with long-term recovery to rebuild their homes and lives."

Specific Salvation Army activities include:

-- Qualcomm Stadium (San Diego, CA): Two Salvation Army mobile kitchen

units have provided thousands of meals and drinks at the stadium

evacuation site. Earlier this afternoon, San Diego Padres third baseman

Kevin Kouzmanoff, first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and about a dozen front

office staff assisted The Salvation Army in serving food to evacuees.

The players and staff also visited with evacuees and children after

lunch and handed out toiletries and packaged foods, accompanied by a

Newsweek photographer.

-- Additional Canteen Units (San Diego area): Canteens are also serving at

Steel Canyon High School, Santana High School, Campo Community Center,

Lakeside Hanson Ranch, Escon
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