A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SALVATION ARMY'S EMERGENCY SERVICES:
"Over a Century's Commitment of Service."
The Salvation Army’s Disaster Services program officially began on Sept. 8, 1900 when a hurricane devastated Galveston, TX, leaving more than 5000 people dead.
Salvationists went on to serve alongside the military in WWI, where “Donut Lassies” supplied fresh donuts and coffee to men on the fighting lines, helping create the USO and Red Shield Clubs” of WWII and into the 21st century where most recently, The Salvation Army served at Ground Zero following 9/11, remaining at the scene for nearly two years.
Currently The Salvation Army is engaged in emergency relief efforts along the hurricane-stricken Gulf Coast.
In times of disaster relief operations, monetary donations from the public help The Salvation Army to address the specific and changing needs of the relief operation as well as re-invest funds into the disaster-stricken communities.