Listen to this article
As hundreds of students, parents, and neighbors gathered to honor the 17 victims of the Parkland school shooting, The Salvation Army prayed with and comforted many of those in attendance.
The Salvation Army set up two mobile feeding units at the Parkland Recreation and Enrichment Center, adjacent to the amphitheater where the prayer vigil was held. There, they distributed over 300 meals, drinks, and snacks to vigil attendees, while offering prayer and counsel.
Local and state officials, including Florida Gov. Rick Scott, stopped by the feeding units to greet and thank Salvation Army personnel for their support and discuss coordination of resources as the community finds ways to heal from this tragedy.
“Emotional and spiritual care is an important part of our disaster response,” said Major Keath Biggers, Fort Lauderdale Area Commander. “To be able to provide some level of comfort to those mourning after such a tragic loss is a duty we do not take lightly.”
Immediately following the shooting on Feb. 14, Majors Keath and Candice Biggers reported to the Broward County’s Emergency Operations Center to help assess community needs and offer The Salvation Army’s assistance. Mobile feeding units from Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach were deployed to provide water, coffee, and emotional and spiritual care.
The Salvation Army continues to work with local officials and community partners to determine long-term services to the families affected by this tragedy.
Download this page as a PDF
