Polaris Industries Inc. Tuesday announced the company is
donating 10 military off-road vehicles with a combination of Run-Flat and
Non-Pneumatic Tires (NPTs) to enhance The Salvation Army's ability to transport
food, water and other critical supplies to survivors in Moore, OK.
The units will be delivered from Polaris's plant in Osceola, WI,
free of charge, thanks to a generous donation from Bay and Bay Transport and
Overbye Trucking.
"With debris on the ground from thousands of destroyed
homes, these vehicles will allow us to serve in places our mobile kitchens
cannot," said Lt. Col. Robert Thomson, Salvation Army Northern Division
Commander. "We thank Polaris for this incredible gift. These vehicles will
allow us to serve more people in crisis."
The donated units, a combination of military ATV, RANGER and RZR vehicles,
are outfitted with either Run Flat tires or NPTs to prevent down time. Run-Flat
tires resist the effects of deflation when punctured, giving the
operator the ability to continue to use the vehicle. NPTs are built to never go flat
and are virtually indestructible.
"Oklahoma
will rebound from this terrible tragedy, through the resiliency of its people
and the assistance of organizations like The Salvation Army," said Polaris CEO Scott
Wine. "Polaris has long supported their charitable efforts, and we hope
the donation of these vehicles will assist them as they provide the affected
communities with the relief they desperately need."
To date, The Salvation Army has served more than 17,000
meals and snacks to tornado survivors and relief workers across Oklahoma, with pastoral
care provided to about 800 people. The Salvation Army is now preparing to offer
long-term case management, which can include financial assistance, stress
management classes, replacement furniture and much more.
There are several ways to donate to The Salvation Army's Oklahoma tornado relief
efforts:
- Give online at SalvationArmyNorth.org or call 800-SAL-ARMY
(725-2769)
- Text "STORM" to 80888 to make a $10 donation via your mobile
phone. To confirm your gift, respond "Yes."
- Mail a check to The Salvation Army, 2445 Prior Ave. N., Roseville,
MN 55113.
Designate your gift "Oklahoma Tornado."
