Baton Rough, LA (Sept. 7, 2008) - "I really appreciate The Salvation Army. They're always around anytime there's a need." - First Lady Jolly Jindal
Mrs. Jindal arrived at The Salvation Army's canteen in the old Winn-Dixie parking lot in Denham Springs. While she was there, she donned a Salvation Army disaster t-shirt and served meals for the second day in a row to those in that neighborhood still without power.
For more than forty minutes Mrs. Jindal gave out meals from The Salvation Army canteen; but more importantly, she gave words of support and encouragement to everyone who came through the line. She even posed for pictures with people standing in line.
"I'm so proud of the people of Louisiana," said First Lady Jindal. "I've seen people helping people, and neighborhoods helping their fellow neighborhoods. We've really pulled together as a greater community."
Major Stephen Long, Baton Rouge Commander also worked with the crew and offered prayer for those in needs and those meeting that need.
"We are honored and proud to have Mrs. Jindal standing with us. We are grateful for her support and that of her husband, Governor Jindal." - Salvation Army's Major Long
"Agencies like The Salvation Army are what make recovery possible in times of great need like this." Mrs. Jindal said.
Major Long shared with Mrs. Jindal the work and mission of The Salvation Army in this community. There are a number of programs on in this center. The residents of various housing and educational programs provided by The Salvation Army are experiencing "service leadership" in all phases of the recovery efforts. These men are making sandwiches, working on some of the 20 canteens, and doing the ‘behind the scenes' things that makes everything else possible. Mrs. Jindal shook hands and spoke with several of the men, offering her appreciation and support to each.
Even as workers and volunteers put in long hours meeting the needs of the Baton Rouge community, the Incident Command Center is making contingency plans for The Salvation Army's response to Hurricane Ike.
The Salvation Army was on the ground in Baton Rouge just after Hurricane Gustav. We started serving with nine (9) units-this afternoon we had 19 canteens meeting needs in Greater Baton Rouge. A further five (5) canteens are expected to arrive first thing tomorrow morning, and will be deployed immediately.
Each day The Salvation Army receives numerous requests to meet previously unknown needs in surrounding communities. "We are doing our best to serve the communities' needs. As additional canteens come into service with us we send them out. As communities we've served no longer need us, we move into new areas to meet those needs," said Major Don Vick.
Major Vick is serving as the Planning Chief for The Salvation Army's Baton Rouge Incident Command. Major Vick, a seasoned officer currently stationed in Knoxville, Tennessee, provides guidance in both short and long term plans for how needs are to be met.
The infusion of new canteen crews provides a renewed spirit and enthusiasm for the tiring bodies, serving long hours. Today, two (2) canteens brought six (6) fresh men to Baton Rouge, taking food and care to affected areas. Tomorrow morning, we anticipate the five canteens will refresh the ranks with an additional seventeen people.
The 20 Salvation Army canteens provided a total of 19,375 meals, 20,388 drinks, and 19,978 snacks today between the lunch and dinner shifts. Since The Salvation Army started its disaster feeding services immediately after Hurricane Gustav, more than 42,550 meals have been provided to those in need in Greater Baton Rouge.
The Salvation Army has been actively involved in the Parishes of and around Baton Rouge, including Plaquemine. In that community one of the many grateful residents scrawled a note that read: "Thank You! First Food Today."
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