Desert Messenger

16 www.DesertMessenger.com August 16, 2023 Desert Messenger offers FREE Classified Ads! Here's the small print: Items for sale under $1000. Private Party Only. 1 per month. Yard/Garage/Craft Sales, Wanted, Give-a-ways, Free, Lost & Found, etc. (non-commercial) For more information, contact Rain at 928-916-4235 or Email: Editor@DesertMessenger.com ADOBE HANDYMAN & PAINTING • Painting • Pressure Washing • Wall Texturing • Popcorn Ceiling Removal • Landscaping • Minor Plumbing • Minor Electrical • Minor Drywall Repair • Roof Coating • RV Repair RELIABLE, REASONABLE RATES References Available CALL/TEXT 928-412-9642 (not a licensed contractor) THE SALVATION ARMY RESPONDS TO MAUI WILD- FIRES WITH MASS FEEDING FOR THOUSANDS People in the Southwest can support the effort with monetary donations PHOENIX (Aug. 11, 2023) – The Salvation Army continues wide- spread efforts to provide food and other essential items and services to evacuees in Hawaii during the dev- astating wildfires. Even from thousands of miles away, you can help with a monetary dona- tion by visiting Hawaii.Salvation- Army.org. Maui wildfire donations You can also make a safe and secure donation from your mobile device by texting the word MAUI to 51555. "During emergencies, the best way the public can help is to provide monetary donations which allows the delivery of the exact relief sup- plies a community needs. Plus, The Salvation Army uses one hundred percent of all donations designated 'disaster relief' in sup- port of disaster operations," said Victor Leonardi, Divisional Direc- tor of Emergency Services & Safety for The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division. Purchasing these items locally also helps the economy of the local community re- cover more quickly. WASHINGTON -- FEMA, along with its federal and local agency partners, National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) member or- ganizations and many other volunteer and faith-based organizations con- tinues responding to survivors' immediate needs following the devastating wildfires in Maui. FEMA and federal partners are supporting the state of Hawaii, focusing on search and rescue operations and assessing damages in the impacted areas. There are now over 200 FEMA personnel deployed to the state and working with local officials to help distribute commodities and aid recovery efforts. Non-profit and voluntary organizations have been working around the clock to support the wildfire survivors, as VOADs, volunteer organizations and faith-based groups are providing meals and clothing, cleaning up de- bris and helping survivors jumpstart their recovery. Anyone interested in providing assistance to disaster survivors in Hawaii may visit the National VOAD website at www.nvoad.org to learn more. Consider cash donations as it allows the most flexibility in obtaining time sensitive resources and has the added benefit of moving money into the local economy to help businesses recover. In addition to federal, state and county response operations: The American Red Cross: Red Cross disaster workers responded imme- diately, opening shelters across Maui to provide refuge for thousands of residents and tourists who have been displaced by the fires. Since the fires began, the Red Cross and partners have provided almost 2,900 overnight shelter stays. As of today, approximately 240 Red Cross personnel are re- sponding or actively deploying. The Salvation Army is bringing food, shelter, hygiene items and emotional and spiritual care to survivors. They are providing thousands of meals to individuals and families at the Maui County Pukalani Shelter. The Disability Hui led by the Ha- waii State Council on Developmen- tal Disabilities convened 16 partner organizations who serve people with disabilities and the aging com- munity. Together they are working directly with Maui County on con- tinued reunification services to ac- count for every one of their clients. They are coordinating with com- munity agencies, including Catho- lic Charities and the American Red Cross, to provide direct contact in- formation for the disability organi- zations to every person with a dis- ability who is staying at shelters and to those who may benefit from their services. Americares emergency response experts are in transit to Hawaii to support the hardest hit communi- ties. Upon arrival, the team will as- sess the needs of local health care facilities, coordinate emergency shipments of medicine and relief supplies. Americares is readying hygiene kits, first aid supplies and other critically needed items to send to partner organizations in Hawaii. The health-focused relief and development organization is also prepared to provide emergency funding to help restore health ser- Update from FEMA vices for low-income and uninsured residents in affected communities. Samaritan's Purse deployed North American Ministries assessment teams to determine relief and sup- port with debris clearance and sift- ing. Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains are also on the island to provide emotional support and spiritual comfort to residents suffer- ing in the wake of so much loss. The Home Cleanup Hotline has been activated. It is anticipated that most volunteer groups will work through Friday, Aug. 25. Survivors needing assistance can call 808-451-3102. Hawaii residents impacted by the wildfires in Maui county can regis- ter for federal assistance by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov, through the FEMA app, or by calling 1-800-621- 3362. Residents who use a relay service, such as video relay or cap- tioned telephone service, can give the FEMA operator the number for that service. "Try not to become a person of success but rather a person of value." ~Albert Einstein

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