GOWANDA, Aug. 18, 2009 -- The Salvation Army has stepped up its flood relief efforts, adding a third Mobile Canteen and rotating disaster teams into Gowanda, which saw 400 homes damaged and a reservoir compromised by severe rains and flash flooding just over a week ago.

"In the first seven days we've been here," noted Salvation Army Field Representative Rod Ballengee, "we have served 13,000 meals, and handed out 75,900 bottles of water, 9,640 gallon-jugs of water, 15,500 bottles of flavored sports drinks, 1,500 cleaning kits, 600 gallons of bleach, and 500 personal care kits."

An Emergency Disaster Services Canteen from Rochester has been pressed into the flood relief effort, joining canteens from Buffalo and Olean-Hornell, Ballengee said.

"We're serving breakfast, lunch and dinner to first responders, relief workers and flood victims out of the new Fire Hall on Aldrich Street Extension. Our Mobile Canteens are serving primarily lunch and dinner; they're literally covering all the neighborhoods, going up and down the streets."

A disaster center warehouse has been set up in the old Fire Hall on East Main Street in downtown Gowanda, open every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

"If people need supplies, we're telling them to go to the old Fire Hall," he said. "We'll give them whatever they need."

Ballengee said there is an urgent need for push brooms, squeegees, bleach, diapers, baby formula and non-perishable food. "Donations may be brought to the old Fire Hall on East Main Streeet."

"We also could use monetary donations," he added. "With money, we can purchase any supplies we need from area vendors."

Credit card donations may be made online. Click on "donate now" and specify that it be used for the Empire State Division's Emergency Disaster Services.

Checks made out to The Salvation Army may be mailed to Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services, Empire State Division, 200 Twin Oaks Drive, Syracuse, NY 13206.