Update No. 2 - The Salvation Army responds in Guam to Typhoon Mawar - Thrift Store damaged
Written by: David Sayre
Barrigada, Guam [May 26, 2023] –Several employees from The Salvation Army Guam Corps have shared images and videos of Typhoon Mawar and the aftermath in their local communities.
“While we are still awaiting initial damage assessments for several Salvation Army buildings, we do know portions of the thrift store were damaged, including a loading entrance door,” said Victor Leonardi, Divisional Director of Emergency Services & Safety for The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division. “Unfortunately, some of our employees' homes are among the many structures on Guam that have been severely damaged by wind, rain, and flooding.”
Leonardi is being deployed to Guam as soon as flights are able to resume landing. He continued, “We are virtually supporting logistics and operations for our over 50 employees and volunteers who reside in Guam and the additional NGO partners in Guam.”
The Salvation Army Guam Corps team is responding with community assistance as specific needs are determined by various agencies in the next several days. The Salvation Army Guam Corps pre-staged MREs and other food and basic needs supplies for potential response efforts. The Salvation Army is part of a team of agencies providing assistance during events and works closely with Guam Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense, among other agencies.
Leonardi continued, “During emergencies, the best way the public can help is to provide monetary donations which allows the delivery of the exact relief supplies a community needs. Plus, The Salvation Army uses 100% of all donations designated ‘disaster relief’ in support of disaster operations.”
Donations may be made online at Guam.SalvationArmy.org
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About The Salvation Army Disaster Services
The Salvation Army is uniquely positioned to serve those impacted by disasters, however long it takes, because they are there before, during, and after impact. Beyond serving immediate physical needs, they also meet the emotional and spiritual needs that are unique to catastrophic events. The Salvation Army:
- Delivers disaster relief to an average of 382,000 people annually.
- Serves every ZIP code in the United States and touches almost 25 million lives a year.
- Has served survivors of every major national disaster since 1900.
- Remains in communities until needs are met and beyond.
About The Salvation Army – Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division
The Salvation Army – Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division covers the state of Hawaii and the Pacific Islands including Guam, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and The Federated States of Micronesia. In 2021, The Salvation Army was ranked #2 on the list of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. The Division offers a wide variety of programs throughout the islands including affordable senior housing; at-risk youth services and housing; camp & conference center; church/religious services and programs; emergency disaster services; family stores; food distribution and feeding programs; homeless services; The Kroc Center – Hawaii’s largest community center; preschools & day care services; older adults; social services – emergency assistance; substance abuse treatment; women’s auxiliary; and women’s ministries. For more information, call 808-988-2136, visit hawaii.salvationarmy.org, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.