For the second year, the Albert Lea Salvation Army will respond to certain flooding relief in the Fargo/Moorhead area. Within the next couple days, a team comprised of Lt. Steve Hansen, Arturo Lopez and Fred Christianson will be departing for flood duty.

Hansen will be providing leadership in canteen operations and the veteran team of Lopez and Christianson will be providing mobile hydration and meal service.

The remainder of the Albert Lea disaster team will remain in the area on standby for any services needed in our immediate area. At the current time, crews are preparing for the providing of services to Albert Lea, Austin, Mason City and Winnebago.

Salvation Army Disaster Director Stan Scheib said: “Spring must be here as we again provide services to those in need. The readiness of the local Salvation Army is at an all-time high.”

In the past years Albert Lea has lead southern Minnesota in relief to areas affected by disasters including Winona/Rushford, Austin and Cedar Rapids/Palo, Iowa, in 2007; flood assistance to Fargo, Moorhead, Grand Forks and Bismarck, N.D., in 2008; and flooding along with tornado relief in Austin in 2009.

“We combat natural disasters with acts of God,” Capt. Jim Brickson said. “We will continue to meet un-met need in any community that we serve. We will continue to provide services even if just the ministry of presence.”

For more information, please call The Salvation Army at 373-5710.