March 1, 2010 – Salvation Army disaster services personnel in Chile were immediately mobilized to provide support and comfort to thousands of survivors following a devastating 8.8-magnitude earthquake that rocked the country during the early hours of Feb. 27.

Local staff and volunteers are providing provide food, water, first aid kits, blankets, candles and other supplies in several cities, with international financial assistance on the way.

The earthquake epicenter was about 90 miles northwest of the city of Concepción in Southern Chile, approximately 350 miles from the capital of Santiago, where three Salvation Army facilities were damaged.  

The Salvation Army has set up tents to house 60 families at its facility near Concepción. Salvation Army staff from the cities of Puerto Montt and Osorno are en route to Concepción to join in relief efforts. The Salvation Army is also carrying out emergency relief work in the city of Os Valparaiso, located on Chile’s west coast.

People have flocked to city streets as numerous aftershocks continue to pummel the country. Water, gas and electricity have been cut off in affected areas and will stay disconnected until emergency crews can assess the damage and prioritize immediate needs.

“I have never seen such destruction here before,” Lt. Colonel Maria Alarcon, Secretary for Business Administration for The Salvation Army’s South America West Territory, said of the damage she witnessed in Concepción.

The Salvation Army has had a presence in Chile since 1909 and today offers social services including hospitals, schools for impoverished children and adult rehabilitation.

To support its relief efforts in Chile, The Salvation Army has established a text-to-give program that works on all major cell-phone carriers within the United States. Please give by texting the word “CHILE” to 52000 and respond to the confirmation message you receive with the word “YES.”

Donations:
If you would like to make a financial contribution to The Salvation Army’s ongoing relief efforts in Chile, you can donate through:
   Online Credit Card Contributions
   Text 'CHILE ’ to 52000
   Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY
   Mail a check to:
     The Salvation Army
     Disaster Relief Fund
     3612 Cuming Street
     Omaha NE 68131
     **Please note that your donation is for Chile Earthquake relief**
Even before donations are processed, The Salvation Army is committing and spending money on relief efforts in Chile. Donations are critical now and also help ensure that the long-term needs of the Chilean people are met. Click below to make an online donation.

About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination since 1865. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. About 82 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services in nearly 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.

To donate, please call 1-800-SAL-ARMY, text the word “CHILE” to 52000 and respond to the confirmation message you receive with the word “YES,” or go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.