Samaritan’s Purse is sending critical aid to Mississippi and Louisiana families impacted by deadly tornadoes that ravaged the areas overnight. The international Christian relief organization deployed two Disaster Relief Units—tractor-trailers stocked with tools and supplies—from their bases of operations in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina and Dallas, Texas. Once on the ground, a team of disaster response specialists will work alongside area officials and local church partners to help families affected by the storms in Jesus’ Name.
“As many communities are asked to stay at home, my heart breaks for families that now have nowhere to go—losing loved ones and homes in a matter of minutes,” said Franklin Graham, president and CEO of Samaritan's Purse. “Samaritan’s Purse is coming alongside them to help families physically start to recover from the tornadoes while reminding them that God loves them and they are not forgotten. Please join me in praying for God’s peace and comfort to cover them.”
While Samaritan’s Purse responds to the global coronavirus pandemic in New York City and Italy, natural disasters continue to devastate communities. The N.C.-based organization is tailoring its response to safely provide critical relief to families impacted by last night’s storms. Samaritan’s Purse will activate local volunteers in the hardest-hit areas—clearing debris, tarping roofs, and searching for anything that may have survived the storm.
Media Opportunities Interview Bruce Poss, director of North American Ministries for Samaritan’s Purse Interview Shannon Daley, program manager of U.S. Disaster Relief for Samaritan's Purse, on the ground in Monroe, Louisiana Interview Todd Taylor, manager of U.S. Disaster Relief for Samaritan's Purse, on the ground in Mississippi Download high-res photos of Samaritan’s Purse U.S. Disaster Relief. Download broadcast-quality b-roll of Samaritan's Purse U.S. Disaster Relief.Chaplains from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association's Rapid Response Team will work alongside Samaritan's Purse to provide emotional and spiritual encouragement to families affected by these storms.
For more information about how to help or volunteer with Samaritan's Purse, go to spvolunteernetwork.org.
Based in Boone, North Carolina, Samaritan's Purse responds to the physical and spiritual needs of individuals in crisis situations—especially in locations where few others are working. Led by President and CEO Franklin Graham, Samaritan’s Purse works in more than 100 countries to provide aid to victims of war, disease, disaster, poverty, famine and persecution. For more information, visit SamaritansPurse.org.