METROPOLITAN DIVISON HURRICANE RELIEF BULLETIN
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
The Metropolitan Division is supporting the disaster relief efforts both in the south and here in the Chicago-area. Here is a brief overview of activities.
*Since last Wednesday (August 31st), the Disaster Services Center in Elk Grove Village has served as command central. Volunteers have staffed the phone bank seven-days-a-week, from 8am until 8pm. Primary among their activities is handling “health and wellness” inquiries from those seeking to locate missing loved ones and friends in the disaster areas. The calls are relayed to SATERN [Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network] members [amateur radio operators] for reply and response. The center has received more than 41,000 calls.
*The EDS center also is taking calls regarding needed services, donations and other offers of help. Area companies have provided volunteers to assist with the phone bank operations.
*Last Thursday (September 1st), Colonel Grindle participated in a news conference with Congressman Danny Davis regarding hurricane relief assistance.
*On Friday (September 2nd), EDS dispatched the “Big Truck” to the disaster area at the request of the Southern Territory. The 40 foot by 24 foot vehicle is a communications and command center. It will be deployed in the disaster as determined. The departure of the truck was covered as part of a news conference conducted by Colonel Grindle. In addition, a $100,000 disaster relief donation was presented to the Colonel by Exelon.
*Memos and “donation slides” were sent to Chicago television public affairs directors, seeking support for the Army’s monetary needs for disaster relief.
*John Cruickshank, publisher of the Chicago Sun Times, has offered public service support. Ads were created and sent.
*The Division’s development department has contacted various sources to obtain support items for disaster survivors coming to the Chicago area.
*Divisional command and social services department have put into place an operational plan to provide services to disaster survivors already in the area and to those being evacuated to Chicago. This includes canteen services, social workers, material assistance, clothing, etc., and when required, housing and shelter. The division has mobilized more than 500 officers, employees and volunteers in response to disaster relief needs.
*The Salvation Army has prepared Camp Wonderland as a site to receive and house up to 600 disaster survivors. We are awaiting word when, and if, evacuees will be sent to camp.
*Major David Dalberg, disaster services director, will appear on a WLS Radio public affairs program, tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, September 7th.
Posted By: Eric at 5:45 PM : Link : 0 Comments
