LAPLACE — Major Joseph Wheeler, Incident Commander of the New Orleans Incident Command in LaPlace, announced that 249,264 meals, have been served throughout the New Orleans area since operations began Sept. 16.

Services have been expanded from the delivery of meals and disaster kits through mobile canteens to include a drive through service at 1921 West Airline Hwy, LaPlace. Drive through services offers meals to go, cleaning kits, bottled water, Bibles, household items, diapers, ice and miscellaneous items.

The New Orleans Incident Command is also doing limited case management by appointment only. To date 800 families have had appointments. Wheeler said they are working toward staging a large case management assistance program as soon as staging areas can be secured. Case management takes each family individually by loss and need. Items often requested are assistance with furniture, vehicle repairs, mattresses, prescriptions, groceries, personal care items, etc.

Eventually the Army is hoping to assist with utilities, rent and/or mortgage payments. Special needs such as medical equipment and optical can also utilized. Appointments are currently scheduled through October 17. Appointments will be scheduled through the drive through services in LaPlace for those who have their FEMA number and photo ID.

Those using the drive-through are encouraged to enter the staging area off West Airline Hwy heading east. Maj. Wheeler is concerned about safety and encourages those using the drive through to be courteous and cautious.

Hours are Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. to assist the New Wine Fellowship in having adequate time for parking and their worship service.

Dedicated volunteers are making the Army’s work possible. To date more than 14,516 hours of service has been donated by volunteers coming from throughout the United States and as far as Canada.

Maj. Wheeler stated that the campus currently has 180 volunteers and 18 Salvation Army Officers. The campus is gearing up to hold as many as 500 volunteers.

Wheeler also reported that emphasis is placed on a balanced ministry caring not only for the physical, but emotional needs of people, by listening to victims experiences and offering prayers and spiritual guidance. More than 101,068 people have had pastoral care and prayer.

Donations are still needed for the expensive operation and can be made by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY or on-line at www.salvationarmyusa.org.