The Salvation Army Provides for MatSu Valley Wildfire Victims with Community Support
The Salvation Army Alaska Division provides for wildfire evacuees
Wasilla, AK – The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services unit quickly took action Sunday, August 18, to help those immediately effected by the MatSu Valley wildfires. Salvation Army staff, officers and volunteers quickly moved to provide food service along with spiritual/emotional care at the Willow Community Center emergency shelter. The emergency shelter was relocated to the Menard Sports Center in Wasilla later that same day after the evacuation zone was expanded. As of Tuesday, August 27, The Salvation Army has provided over 1,500 meals, water, thousands of snacks and over 392 volunteer hours to the emergency feeding operation.
Along with feeding evacuees at the emergency shelter, The Salvation Army provides emotional and spiritual care to those being served.
“When I entered the Menard Center on Monday morning, a young girl was sitting at the table by the TV drawing a picture of a home with multiple rooms. I sat and talked with her for a bit and found out that her family’s home was destroyed in the fire,” said Major Tina Bottjen, who alongside her husband, leads The Salvation Army MatSu Valley Corps Community Center. “Even with her loss she was trying to stay positive. She said that she found her favorite mug that said ‘I love mom’ among the ruins. The paint was coming off and it was charred but it survived, which made her happy.”
Individuals and businesses came together offering their support, including a Palmer area family farm that harvested and delivered fresh produce to use in the emergency feeding operation.
“The Salvation Army has been able to provide for the needs of evacuees due to the generosity of time and resources of community members and organizations,” said The Salvation Army Alaska Divisional Commander Major John Brackenbury. “In the days and months ahead, we will continue to rely on the community’s assistance as we support the ongoing needs of the many individuals and families who are beginning the process of rebuilding their lives and homes following this devastating event.”
To donate to help those affected by the MatSu Valley wildfires, text HELPAK to 243-725 or visit https://give-ak.salvationarmy.org/mckinleyfire.
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The Salvation Army, an evangelic part of the universal Christian church, supports those in need in His name without discrimination, offering spiritual encouragement and basic services to meet the needs of Alaskans in 18 communities. The Salvation Army has been caring for mind, body, spirit and soul of individuals, children and families in Alaska since 1898. In 2018, The Salvation Army served 347,439 meals, provided 71,175 bed nights, 22,740 toys and gifts and more than 20,620 clothing items helping more than 4,000 Alaskans monthly. For more information, please visit alaska.salvationarmy.org.