Supporting City of Philadelphia during Democratic National Convention

Preps Underway 7/21/16

The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) Unit stationed in Philadelphia will be supporting the City of Philadelphia by providing hydration to thousands of first responders on duty during the Democratic National Convention, July 23 through July 28.

The Salvation Army will help distribute more than 130,000 bottles of water utilizing six disaster response vehicles, including two Polaris ATV’s. The City of Philadelphia purchased the bottled water and requested The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services assistance in distribution to law enforcement, firefighters and support personnel. EDS will also provide meals and snacks to staffers at the city’s Emergency Operations Center.

July temperatures in Philadelphia are known to soar to highs in the 80’s and 90’s with considerable humidity. Staying hydrated will be vital to maintaining the health of first responders during the event week.

“The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services is committed to ‘Doing the Most Good’ in our community,” said Bob Myers, Director of Emergency Disaster Services at The Salvation Army of Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Division. “We are proud to partner with the City of Philadelphia and provide essential support to our city’s first responders who will be working around the clock that week.”

The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) provides basic needs and services to victims of disaster, while also assisting first responders. Serving 1-2 million Americans in dozens of response efforts nationwide, EDS is often one of the first on the scene to aid emergency response efforts by providing food, shelter, clothing and spiritual comfort.

July 22, 2016: NBC Philadelphia reporter Aundrea Cline-Thomas stops by to get video and interview with Bob Myers, Emergency Disaster Services Director, as preps get underway to support the City of Philadelphia during the DNC.

July 22, 2016: 6 ABC reporter Trish Hartman stops by to interview Bob Myers, EDS Director, and get video of preps.

About The Salvation Army Greater Philadelphia:

The Salvation Army Greater Philadelphia is a faith-based, comprehensive human service organization whose programs help individuals, families and whole communities lead healthier, safer and more productive lives. The Salvation Army is equipped to respond to both acute disasters such as fires and floods as well as the daily, ongoing struggles of the region’s less fortunate individuals. Since 1879, The Salvation Army has a record of success stemming from its holistic approach to providing for the needs of the whole individual – physically, emotionally, economically and spiritually. The Salvation Army’s programming operates community centers and residential facilities throughout the Philadelphia region offering shelter, hot meals, counseling, early childhood development, recreational opportunities, music programs, after-school arts and educational programs, job training, activities for older adults, spiritual development, and drug rehabilitation.