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Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief |
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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Karen Larimore Wilkinson Marketing and Community Relations Mgr. Salisbury Parks & Recreation Department 132 North Main Street Salisbury, North Carolina 28144 Work Phone: 704-638-2113 Home Phone: 704-633-7123 Cell: 704-213-1050 Information: http://www.salisburync.gov Work Email Contact: kwilk@salisburync.gov Home Email Contact: kwilkinson2@carolina.rr.com City of Salisbury Announces Disaster Relief Trailer Set to Begin Journey to Pascagoula and Jackson County, Mississippi in aftermath of Hurricane Katrina Salisbury, NC – September 15, 2005 – The City of Salisbury announces that a filled Disaster Relief Trailer is set for departure from Fire Station #51 to Pascagoula and the Jackson County area on Friday, Sept. 16th at approximately 8 a.m. The trailer, filled with a myriad of donations, including bottled water, baby food, diapers, wheel chairs, clothing, cleaning supplies and more, will begin its’ journey to provide relief to victims of devastation, following the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Fire Chief Bob Parnell states, “The combined response from citizens, civic organizations and local businesses has been wonderful.” In addition to Fire Station #51, 514 E. Innes Street, Stations #52, 2312 S. Main Street, and #53, 604 W. Innes Street , have served as donation drop-off sites. Items collected were then transported to Station #51 for packaging, placing on pallets, and loading into the trailer. Three of Salisbury’s Fire Captains will accompany the donated goods to the Hurricane stricken-area. “Captains David Deal, Jeff Youngblood and Mark Thompson will escort Salisbury/Rowan’s donations to our neighbors in need,” states Parnell. Youngblood will be making his second trip to Mississippi in support of Katrina disaster relief. The City of Salisbury’s Mayor, Susan Kluttz, previously announced on Tuesday, September 6th that the City had formally adopted Pascagoula and Jackson County Mississippi, in order to coordinate donations of non-perishable goods and volunteer services. Via the county seat of Pascagoula, support efforts are being organized to most effectively serve all affected area communities and their citizens in the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The initiative, which spawned from WBTV Channel 3 Reporter David Whisenant’s first-hand account and video presentation to the Mayor and Salisbury City Council, has incorporated a multitude of support from numerous local businesses and non-profit agencies and will continue as long as there is a need for disaster support. Mayor Kluttz emphasizes, “This is just the first of many truckloads of donated goods leaving Salisbury, as we will continue to encourage and accept donations to refill the truck upon its return.” Salisbury City Manager Dave Treme states, “The network of support, at all levels, that Salisbury and Rowan County is offering to Jackson County is tremendous. I am constantly overwhelmed by the sincere generosity of our employees, citizens and local businesses, extending continuous support for those ravaged by disaster.” Individual City departments have joined the efforts by selecting category needs and fulfilling. “Our Salisbury Parks & Recreation Department joined the efforts by assisting to fill the trailer with a load of recreational equipment and art supplies,” states Treme. Parks & Recreation Director Gail Elder-White states, “Without school, the children are bored and need a release for their energy. By supplying basketballs, footballs, soccer balls, games and creative art supplies, we can help them channel their vigor through teamwork activities and allow them to express themselves creatively, in a positive direction.” The department unanimously agreed that by selecting the youth supplies category and then shopping and delivering the goods to Station #51, they felt a strong connection to those surrounded by devastation. For more information and photographs regarding the City’s disaster relief campaign status, partnering agencies, and a list of donation needs by category, citizens are encouraged to visit the City’s website at www.salisburync.gov/katrina. In addition, citizens are encouraged to view ACCESS Government Channel 16 for updates as the campaign continues. |
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