Operation Blessing International, one of the largest humanitarian organizations in America, has deployed its disaster relief team to help in the wake of a deadly tornado outbreak in North Texas.
An advance team led by Raymond McGregor, deputy director of U.S. disaster relief for Operation Blessing, arrived in Rowlett yesterday and met with officials who asked if Operation Blessing would lead and setup a Volunteer Reception Center in Garland. In partnership with the Dallas County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, Operation Blessing has sent volunteers to help residents in both Rowlett and Garland from this location.
A convoy of disaster relief equipment also departed from Chesapeake, VA and includes Operation Blessing International’s mobile command center, a construction trailer full of tools and a mobile kitchen capable of feeding thousands of hot meals a day to residents, volunteers and emergency responders.
Operation Blessing also deployed a truck loaded with volunteer supplies including tools, personal protection equipment, drinks and ready to eat meals from its Dallas warehouse to equip hundreds of volunteers with tools and supplies needed to help residents with clean-up process.
Today, Operation Blessing began accepting free work order requests from homeowners whose homes were damaged by the tornado and sending volunteers out into the community. The charity is calling for volunteers and asking them to come out and serve in this army of compassion to help residents begin the recovery process. Information for residents needing assistance and volunteers below:
WANT TO HELP? (VOLUNTEER INFORMATION)
Meet at the Volunteer Reception Center at the Granger Recreation Center, 1310 W. Avenue F in Garland.
Volunteers can meet at either 8:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. daily at the Granger Recreation Center. Please get there early to register as orientation will start promptly at 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. each day. Volunteers must be at least 18, dress appropriately for work in the field and provide their own transportation to and from the work site. Operation Blessing will provide work assignments, volunteer management, tools and lunch.
*Please direct calls to Operation Blessing’s National Volunteer Manager, Kerry Dodson at 757.226.3407, via email at volunteer@ob.org or to the organization’s Onsite Volunteer Coordinator at 757.374.0944.
RESIDENTS NEEDING HELP
Residents from Rowlett and Garland are invited come in person to fill out a work request for FREE volunteer help with salvaging personal belongings, packing for relocation, debris removal and/or to request a tarp for their roof /home at Granger Recreation Center (address above.)
Residents must sign a work order form and a release form in person allowing volunteer teams access to property. Volunteers will not be able to do any work without a form SIGNED BY THE HOMEOWNER. Priority is given based on need (elderly, sick, disabled, etc) and is based on volunteer availability.
For more information monitor local news or visit www.ob.org.
ABOUT OPERATION BLESSING INTERNATIONAL: Operation Blessing International (OBI) is one of the largest charities in America, providing strategic disaster relief, medical aid, hunger relief, clean water and community development in 27 countries around the world on a daily basis. In 2014, OBI was awarded Charity Navigator’s coveted 4-star rating for sound fiscal management marking 8 years the charity has received this prestigious ranking. Forbes also ranks OBI as one of its 100 Largest Charities with an efficiency rating of 99%. Founded in 1978, Operation Blessing International has touched the lives of more than 292 million people in more than 105 countries and 50 states, providing goods and services valued at over $4.2 billion.