To support its relief efforts in Chile, The Salvation Army has already established a text-to-give program that works on all major cell-phone carriers within the United States. This number is for people who want to give a small amount quickly.
According to Ginny Edwards of the Mobile Giving Foundation, “By texting the word "CHILE" to 52000 via a mobile phone, a micro-donation of $10 can be made to aid the people affected by this tragedy. 100% of your donation goes to the Salvation Army, and the donation appears as a charge on your carrier bill, standard rates may apply.”
The earthquake epicenter was approximately 90 miles North west of the city of Concepción in Southern Chile. This is approximately 350 miles from the capital of Santiago. Nevertheless, according to officials on the ground, the quake was of a 7.0 magnitude in the Santiago metropolitan region. People have flocked to the streets as numerous aftershocks continue to pummel the country, severely affecting older buildings in the more historical areas of the larger cities.
“I have never seen such destruction!”
The Salvation Army responds to Chilean earthquake
March 01, 2010:
Salvation Army disaster services personnel in Chile were immediately mobilized to provide support and comfort to thousands of survivors following a devastating 8.8-magnitude earthquake that rocked the country during the early hours of Feb. 27.
Local staff and volunteers are providing provide food, water, first aid kits, blankets, candles and other supplies in several cities, with international financial assistance on the way.
The earthquake epicenter was about 90 miles northwest of the city of Concepción in Southern Chile, approximately 350 miles from the capital of Santiago, where three Salvation Army facilities were damaged.
The Salvation Army has set up tents to house 60 families at its facility near Concepción. Salvation Army staff from the cities of Puerto Montt and Osorno are en route to Concepción to join in relief efforts. The Salvation Army is also carrying out emergency relief work in the city of Os Valparaiso, located on Chile’s west coast.
People have flocked to city streets as numerous aftershocks continue to pummel the country. Water, gas and electricity have been cut off in affected areas and will stay disconnected until emergency crews can assess the damage and prioritize immediate needs.
“I have never seen such destruction here before,” Lt. Colonel Maria Alarcon of The Salvation Army, said of the damage she witnessed in Concepción.
About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination since 1865. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. About 82 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services in nearly 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org
