Volunteers are a critical part of the work of Samaritan’s Purse. That’s particularly true at this time of the year, as it is National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts. It takes about 70,000 volunteers to staff over 4,000 locations across the United States where you can drop off your gift-filled shoeboxes. (Drop-off…
COVID-19 North Carolina Response Press Kit
Samaritan’s Purse Deploys to Jefferson County, Alabama
Samaritan’s Purse is responding in Jefferson County, Alabama, where at least one tornado ripped through business and residential areas north of Birmingham. The deadly storm toppled trees, downed power lines, and overturned vehicles on its path of destruction from Fultondale to Center Point. Dozens of homes were ripped apart in these communities and at least…
Volunteer Army Cleans Up After Alabama Storm
JOIN OUR VOLUNTEER TEAMS With tornado sirens wailing, Samuel and Khristy Wilkins had minutes to gather their children and take shelter in the hallway of their home in Jefferson County, Alabama. The family was surrounded by eerie, howling winds that suddenly transitioned into a roar similar to a freight train. “It makes your heart race…
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Samaritan’s Purse Responding to Ice Storms in Texas and Oregon
A deadly wave of severe winter weather brought historic snow, ice, and subfreezing temperatures to communities across Texas. Millions of people were left without electricity. Downed trees and power lines remain a serious problem. Many families have suffered major home damage due to frozen water pipes that burst. Some are still struggling with a lack…
Finding Relief—and Family—in the Wake of Texas’s Wintry Mess
As Austin, Texas, resident Netsi Akalu opened the door to her home of ten years, several inches of water poured from the ceiling. With it, came a flood of emotions. “I saw that the water was coming from the ceiling, the living room, my bedroom, and my baby’s bedroom,” Netsi said. “Two and a half…
Oregon Family Thankful to Return Home After Ice Storm
Tiffany Johnson woke up early on Valentine’s Day to a terrified and panicked 9-year-old racing into her bedroom. “It’s flooding! It’s flooding! There’s water everywhere!” Just two days earlier, Tiffany and Brian had been in the basement enjoying their weekly movie night with their six children when they heard a violent crashing outside. A tree…
God Gets the Glory as Volunteers Bring Relief in Texas
Samaritan’s Purse is on the ground in Texas helping families in Houston and Austin recover from winter storms and record-low temperatures that cut off access to power, water and heat for thousands of families. Communities have returned to find flooded homes due to burst pipes and downed trees in the wake of the unusual weather.…
Samaritan’s Purse Responds to Flooded Kentucky
VOLUNTEER IN BREATHITT COUNTY, KENTUCKY Samaritan’s Purse is bringing relief to Breathitt County, Kentucky, in the aftermath of historic flooding across the eastern part of the state. Hundreds of homes were damaged or destroyed in what authorities say is the worst deluge in decades. Our Disaster Relief Unit 1—a tractor trailer packed with relief supplies…