May 5, 2021 (Fort Smith, AR) On Monday evening, severe storms hit Western Arkansas which included large hail, high winds, heavy rain, flash flooding, and tornadoes. The Arkansas River Valley was the most impacted area with widespread downed trees, damage to homes and businesses, and numerous power outages to commercial and residential areas.
On Tuesday morning, The Salvation Army deployed their Mobile Feeding Unit to provide food, hydration, and emotional and spiritual care to those affected by the storms in Van Buren and Alma. An additional rapid response unit from Muskogee was also deployed to help serve dinner. After meal service on Tuesday, a total of 401 meals, 40 snacks, and 151 drinks were served.
On Wednesday, The Salvation Army served lunch in the communities of Alma, Mulberry, and Van Buren. Lunch is served from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at 1301 City Park Road in Van Buren and 114 Collum Lane E in Alma. Dinner is served between 5 and 6 PM. Mobile Feeding Units will be roving in affected areas.
Captain Jonathan Gainey, Fort Smith Corps Officer, states, “It is an honor to serve these communities. The storms created a lot of damage and we will provide as much comfort as we can to those affected for as long as we are needed.”
Please continue to pray for all of those affected by the storms, especially those whose homes were severely damaged. The Salvation Army is working closely with emergency management officials at the local and state levels, as well as other partner agencies to ascertain what further needs may arise in the aftermath of the storms.
Financial donations may be made at www.helpsalvationarmy.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY to support response efforts. For the latest Salvation Army disaster information, please go to disaster.salvationarmyusa.org and watch for regular updates at www.facebook.com/SalArmyFortSmith for additional information.
