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Released 24 May 2010
(PHILADELPHIA, PA, May 24, 2010) - The Salvation Army of Greater
Philadelphia issued public thanks today to the more than 2,500 volunteers
throughout the region who packaged 933,768 meals during The Salvation Army
Million Meals for Haiti event May 21-22 at the State Armory at Drexel
University. The nutritious meals, specially designed to boost the immune
systems of malnourished people, are expected to reach the starving people of
earthquake-ravaged Haiti within the next few weeks. Once on site, Salvation
Army Emergency Disaster Services teams currently working on relief efforts in
Haiti will distribute the meals.
"We're thrilled with the tremendous support that organizations and
individuals across the Philadelphia region brought to The Salvation Army
Million Meals for Haiti Event," said Major Jorge Diaz, director of operations
for The Salvation Army of Greater Philadelphia. "We set the bar high and knew
that Philadelphians would band together and help the Haitian people as their
time of need continues."
The Salvation Army of Greater Philadelphia partnered with Drexel University,
the PA National Guard, and the Philadelphia Eagles to help promote and execute
the event. Local employers, churches, schools, and groups, large and small
stepped up with volunteers to make the event successful.
The Salvation Army has had a presence in Haiti since 1950, and currently
operates schools, clinics, a hospital, feeding programs, children's homes and
church-related activities through 60 community centers across the country.
Since the devastating earthquake on January 12, 2010, The Salvation Army has
mobilized 90,000 volunteers and has distributed more than 13.5 million meals in
Haiti. Salvation Army centers across the nation will continue to host similar
events over the next six to nine months. In order to meet the demand,
meal-packing events have been held in cities including Chicago, Kansas City,
Los Angeles, San Francisco, Syracuse, and Wichita.
Visit our online photo album to see even more pictures from this
event.
