The red kettles of the Salvation Army may be a common sight at Christmastime, but they’re back out now in Nebraska and Iowa as NRG Media’s Omaha radio stations drive listeners to fill the kettles for flood relief.
The Salvation Army Western Division based in Omaha has been charged with coordinating plans for flood disaster relief operations in the Omaha Metro area including Council Bluffs as the flood waters continue to rise. The Salvation Army is already feeding workers every day along the Missouri riverfront as they monitor flood activity; this operation is expected to last at least two months and to feed at least 60 people per day from the Kroc Center.
“The damage we have seen in the past few weeks has been unprecedented in Minot, North Dakota and areas of Colorado and we know that the situation may significantly impact our region if the levees can’t withstand the water pressure,” explained Susan Eustice, Divisional Director of Public Relations and Communications for the Salvation Army. “We have seen thousands of people affected and commercial and farming properties destroyed by the power of the river. We must hope for the best, but also realize that we need to be prepared to do what we do best so we can quickly provide relief to those in need.”
The Salvation Army is partnering with the seven radio stations of NRG Media Omaha- KQKQ-FM, KOPW-FM, KOOO-FM, KOZN-AM, KOIL-AM, KKAR-AM and KMMQ-AM for a “Day of Flood Relief” on Wednesday July 6th in the parking lot at Crossroads Mall. The daylong event will encourage listeners to make monetary and supply contributions including water on site at the convenient drive through donation site.
NRG Media Omaha General Manager Rhonda Gerrard states, “100% of supply and monetary donations raised for the Salvation Army will go to the flood relief effort, which is why this partnership makes great sense as we watch and wait to see what happens.” NRG Media listeners will hear an aggressive public awareness campaign starting Wednesday June 29th explaining how they can help on all of NRG Media stations.
On July 6th, NRG Media Omaha station personalities will host on-site remote broadcasts from 7am-6pm to encourage community participation in the fund-raising while standing alongside Salvation Army volunteers. “NRG Media will be out in full force to rally around this effort and join Salvation Army volunteers to do the most good,” explained Gerrard. “If anyone can move the needle to make an impact and help those affected, the talented crew on these great stations certainly will. We hope our loyal listeners will donate on the Day of Flood Relief to help raise money and flood supply kits.”
