Latter-day Saints Ready to Provide Disaster Relief on US Southeast Coast

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As Hurricane Florence reaches landfall on the Southeast Coast of the United States, the humanitarian arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is ready to aid those in need.

Volunteers in several shifts filled food boxes at the Bishops’ Central Storehouse in Salt Lake City for shipment to Atlanta on Monday for hurricane survivors and others in need.

"The interesting part is that the Church has its own truck fleet," said John Hopkins, manager of the Bishops' Central Storehouse. "We are not only able to pull the supplies, but we can put them on the truck and ship these out when needed."

Hopkins said the 200 volunteers are putting together 2,800 food kits that include beef stew, cans of chili, cans of tuna, cold cereal and granola.

"They’re coming together in a humanitarian way to provide relief to their neighbors that are actually on the other side of the nation," he added.

"You never know when it’s going to be you," said volunteer Cambria Cook. "Plus, it’s just a good feeling to know that you were part of a solution. Though they’re thousands of miles away, you’re touching a life." 

In partnership with local relief organizations, LDS Charities responds to emergencies around the world by providing short-term, life-sustaining resources such as food, water, shelter and clothing, in addition to medical, school and hygiene supplies. 

LDS Charities offers suggestions on how to help during an emergency, including providing donations to the Church’s Humanitarian Aid fund.

In addition, a landing page has been set up for people to volunteer with Hurricane Florence cleanup efforts. Visit JustServe.org/Florence for more information.

The Church is also assisting with shelter and relief efforts in the Philippines after Typhoon Mangkhut hit the area.