Salvation Army Serving after Tornadoes Touch Down in Austin

The Salvation Army has three mobile kitchens (canteens) on site providing assistance to residents and emergency workers in Austin, Minn., where a tornado touched down just before dark Wednesday, June 17. Salvation Army volunteer crews from Austin, Albert Lea and Mankato are providing hydration and are on standby at the Austin Salvation Army building to provide housing for up to 20 residents. With weather conditions expected to be hot and humid, hydration will be essential as residents wake to the daunting task of cleanup.

"There is no electricity anywhere in town," said Captain Jim Brickson, leader of the Albert Lea Salvation Army. "We have a generator available to provide lights in our Austin service center and are awaiting direction from city officials."

With no lighting available, the situation is difficult to evaluate and is potentially dangerous. "There are people outside in the dark cutting tree limbs off their houses," Brickson said last night. "It is a tenuous situation at best."

In times of disaster The Salvation Army specializes in providing mass feeding at the time of natural disasters, as well as providing financial resources to survivors as recovery efforts begin. Donations to disaster relief are used exclusively to provide assistance to residents in the damaged area. Click below to make an online donation or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Designate your gift to Austin Tornado Relief.