For Mobile Canteen Truck for Local EDT
SIDNEY - In 2006, after the local fl ood in Sidney, the Salvation Army came to the Sidney community to help pass out water and give out vouchers for food and clothing. In 2008 Barry and Marie Cole were asked to help organize an Emergency Disaster Team in Sidney. Leslie Vattimo, EDS Director for the Salvation Army, came to Sidney to help train the Sidney Disaster Team, which now has 36 members.
During the 2001 flood, retired Lt. Colonel Gene Pigford was able to bring the Salvation Army's Oneonta Corps Canteen to assist our community by providing food to the fi remen that came to assist our community. Our local EDS team also went street by street taking food and water to the people working on their homes.
Today, we believe that it is time to have our own canteen. There are many times that this vehicle could be used in our community and surrounding communities. Canteens are usually stocked so as to be able to cook food, make coffee and deliver needed supplies. This truck could be used at fires, floods or anywhere that there is an emergency or disaster.
"This is a big endeavor because a new fully outfitted canteen would cost over $100,000. We are very committed to this project, and we plan on working on grants, soliciting businesses and individuals as well as planning fundraising events. This project may take us 18 months, which may seem like a long time, but we believe our goal is worth the time and effort to help our community to be better prepared in the event of a future disaster."
"We are grateful for the donation from the Sidney United Way to help jumpstart our campaign. Our group is looking forward to reaching out to our friends and neighbors to help provide assistance to make our dream a reality."
Donations should be made out to Salvation Army-Sidney EDS Team with a note on the check earmarking the donation for Canteen Truck. Checks can be mailed to PO Box 14, Sidney, NY 13838. Any questions regarding this project, call Barry Cole at 435-4821.
Reprint from The Tri-Town News