The Salvation Army Responds to Northwest Indiana Tornadoes

The Salvation Army is continuing to respond in areas affected by the tornado outbreak on June 11. The Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) team has been distributing water, snacks, hygiene kits, cleaning supplies, and blankets to residents in Lake and Porter counties since last Thursday and will continue to provide immediate assistance through this week. 

In the immediate aftermath of the storms, EDS team members travelled through Lake and Porter County neighborhoods distributing food, drinks, and more than 100 cleanup kits to residents. 

The Salvation Army has deployed a mobile feeding kitchen (canteen) to Merrillville just blocks from the hardest-hit areas of the city. Downed trees and power lines have made some neighborhoods too dangerous to enter, but the canteen offers a central location for residents, volunteers, first responders, and utility workers to get a snack or sack lunch. EDS team members trained in Emotional and Spiritual Care are also on site to care for those most affected by the storm. 

"We will be serving sandwiches and water to volunteers and workers this week at the Command Center at the corner of 61st and Cleveland," said Major Troy Barker, Area Commander for The Salvation Army Northwest Indiana Area Command. "Those affected by the tornado need cleaning supplies and hygiene products. There is no need for clothes and furniture currently. If the public would like to help, they can call The Salvation Amy at (219) 838-0380 to find out how they can donate or help in other ways."

The Salvation Army encourages residents to prioritize safety and to follow guidance from local authorities. Those wishing to support disaster relief efforts are asked to monitor official Salvation Army communications for future needs. Monetary donations to help with this disaster response can be made at salarmy.us/Indiana-Storms.