The Salvation Army thanks supporters and volunteers

In the wake of the Sept. 11 tragedy, I want to share with the public that the Salvation Army’s New Jersey Division is not only on the scene, but doing everything humanly possible for the victims, their families and all rescue personnel.

The New Jersey Division has several canteens, located in New York and New Jersey, serving meals and refreshments to rescue workers and families of the missing. Grief and pastoral counseling is also available at these locations. Camp Tecumseh, the Salvation Army’s residential camp in Pittstown, has become a temporary home for relief workers from out of state.

The American people have been extremely supportive of the Salvation Army with donations of goods and equipment for the relief effort. The number of donations was so great that a warehouse was secured in Bayonne, where goods will be sorted, inventoried and stacked so we can immediately fulfill requests from New York in a short amount of time.

I would also like to thank all the volunteers who have helped the Salvation Army during this horrific time. Volunteers from all over the state have aided us on our canteens and at our divisional headquarters.

Lastly, I would like to thank business owners and companies. We were blessed to have support ranging from donated supplies to equipment on loan at our New Jersey headquarters. Many of these companies also provided their own personnel to aid us in our mission.

My heart is heavy in the aftermath of this tragedy, yet my soul is uplifted feeling the love and compassion of my fellow men as we come together in this time of crisis, helping in every way we can.

God bless you and God bless America.

Lt. Col. Norman E. Wood

N.J. divisional commander

Salvation Army

Union