In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton and Helene's devastating impact, The Salvation Army's relief efforts have been greatly amplified by the swift and generous support of our dedicated and compassionate corporate supporters. These heroes stepped forward, offering essential financial resources, inkind assistance, and direct aid that have sustained and energized our humanitarian efforts. Their generosity enabled us to provide critical food and clean water to thousands of affected residents, distribute emergency supplies such as blankets, hygiene kits, and clothing, and offer temporary shelter to those displaced from their homes. We deployed mobile feeding units to reach isolated communities and provided emotional and spiritual care to traumatized survivors.
Most importantly, these contributions allowed us to offer hope to those devastated by the disaster. In times of crisis, hope can be as crucial as physical aid, giving survivors the strength to persevere and rebuild their lives. The Salvation Army is grateful to all who have contributed to this vital mission. Together, we continue to stand firm and united in our commitment to bringing light to the darkest of times.
The Salvation Army's story of disaster relief efforts is one of quiet dedication and steady growth. It began in 1900 with the Galveston Hurricane when the organization first stepped up to help those affected by a major disaster. This experience set the foundation for what has become a century-long commitment to emergency response.
Over the years, The Salvation Army's role expanded. During World War II, we offered support to soldiers and civilians, learning valuable lessons about crisis management. These skills were put to the test time and again, perhaps most notably on September 11, 2001. Within an hour of the attacks, Salvation Army teams were on the ground near Ground Zero, providing immediate assistance to those in need. We refined and expanded our response efforts even further after serving millions of meals and offering substantial financial aid and long-term recovery assistance to survivors of Hurricane Katrina in 2005
Today, the Salvation Army maintains a presence in nearly every ZIP code across the country. This widespread network, along with its fleet of emergency vehicles and well-stocked warehouses, allows it to respond rapidly to local needs during crises.
From the early days in Galveston to modern times, The Salvation Army has consistently adapted to meet changing needs. We continue to be among the first to arrive at disaster sites and the last to leave, quietly assisting hundreds of thousands of survivors each year. Their story is one of steady, reliable service in times of greatest need.