Central Texas volunteers travel to Florida to help with Hurricane Ian recovery efforts

WACO, Texas (KWTX) – Nearly a million Floridians were evacuated before Hurricane Ian made landfall Wednesday afternoon. Hours before that, trucks from Texas headed to Florida in the morning.

The Salvation Army sent six trucks from Arlington to Florida. These mobile dining units come from Austin, Granbury, Irving, Houston, San Antonio and Pasadena.

“What we’re talking about is these rooms are called canteen rooms and they’re self-contained and they can cook, they have a refrigerator, they have a refrigerator,” said Major Jim Taylor with the Salvation Army – Waco.

Once arrived, the Salvation Army’s canteen units can feed 500 to 1,500 people a day. All are stocked with water and food supplies and a generator so they can operate in areas without power.

“Because they’re on wheels, they can go up and down the streets, and they can change their position from day to day,” said Major Taylor.

Salvation Army emergency services personnel are the first to travel during an emergency call. In two weeks, they decide more volunteers are needed.

With Hurricane Ian, Major Taylor expects to get that call soon. He said he has already asked for help from volunteers with emergency training.

Another organization, Texas Baptist Men, is ready to serve once you get the call.

“When we see what the needs are, we will deploy those volunteers,” said John Hall, a spokesman for Texas Baptist Men’s. “It’s just a matter of time when everything becomes a little clearer.”

As needed, the organization can provide showers, wash clothes and remove fallen trees.

“Essentially, we’re trying to reach people wherever they are after this disaster, helping them with the recovery process,” Hall said.

These two organizations are ready to fulfill the need.

“The Salvation Army is in the country,” Major Taylor said. We are a family at the Salvation Army and we help each other when needed.

The Salvation Army is currently asking for monetary donations rather than goods. Donate online here or by phone at 1-800-SAL-ARMY. All donations go to direct services on the ground.

Copyright 2022 KWTX. all rights reserved.