BY CHERYL SHUMWAYNorth Country This Week

MASSENA — The  Salvation Army of Massena is now responding to local disasters by providing hot drinks to first responders and disaster victims, thanks to a canteen truck they received in December.

They are planning on also providing food during disasters when their commercial kitchen is completed.

The Emergency Disaster Crew got right to work, responding to four fires in St. Lawrence County recently.

The first response was to a house fire in Brasher, where they supported emergency responders and the homeowner with hot drinks and were able to serve alongside the fire department auxiliary, said Lieutenant/Pastor Nicholas White.

Their next fire was to assist the Louisville firefighters with the fire on Route 56.  

“Our third call to action was with the Massena Fire Department for the tragic fire on Chase Street, and our most recent was the fire in Potsdam,” he said.

“We currently have a crew of six people, and we are looking for more people to join and receive training that is provided by the Salvation Army,” said White.

“The more volunteers the better, as it will ensure that we can always get a crew together if we are needed for any kind of emergency throughout the north country. If we have volunteers throughout the north country, then if there is an emergency in their area, we call on them and not someone that’s farther away,” he said.

“We will also need some volunteers who will come into our new commercial kitchen on Victory Road  while the truck is being utilized to prepare food and needs during emergencies as well,” he said.

The Massena Salvation Army is currently building a commercial kitchen that will serve as both a soup kitchen and food preparation during disasters.  The kitchen is expected to be finished in April.

The Salvation Army of Massena is also planning to have their canteen truck at events this summer throughout the North Country, promoting volunteers and awareness of how they can help.

“With this section of service, we are always seeking monetary donations that are earmarked for Emergency Disaster Services, which will allow us to help with purchasing supplies for the canteen truck and help victims get back on their feet and through a disaster,” said White.

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