World Vision Prepares Disaster Response to Oklahoma Wildfires

- Relief supplies deploying to churches in Logan and Noble, dozens of homes destroyed statewide

- Needs of children will be priority in World Vision's immediate response and long-term recovery assistance

- Text donation campaign: Text "GIVEUSA" to 777444 to make a $10 donation to World Vision's disaster response

DALLAS, Aug. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- World Vision is teaming up with Oklahoma churches to deliver relief supplies to families and children impacted by sweeping wildfires. At the Christian organization's Domestic Disaster Headquarters in North Texas, pre-positioned supplies are being prepared for immediate delivery to survivors including food, toiletries and clothing.

"It is devastating. We've already seen dozens of homes destroyed but with fires still raging and temperatures back over 100 again many more homes are still at risk," said Phyllis Freeman, World Vision's Domestic Disaster Director based in North Texas. "Families and children are being told to evacuate and leave immediately but World Vision is prepared to help."

Early next week, World Vision plans to deploy at least half a dozen large pallets full of relief supplies to churches in Noble and Luther, Oklahoma where affected families will be offered assistance from church volunteers.

"It is always so inspiring to those of us at World Vision to see how quickly churches put their hands up in the air to help those in need," said Freeman. "We rely on congregations to be Christ's hands and feet especially right now as Oklahomans are suffering."

With temperatures topping 100 degrees for the 19th straight day, Oklahoma officials fear the situation could grow worse. Already this summer, Oklahoma City has tied its all-time record for the highest temperature ever recorded when the thermometer reached 113 Fahrenheit, a mark last recorded in the Dust Bowl days in 1936.

World Vision has been serving North Texas and the Gulf region since 2002. Already this 2012, World Vision has used its North Texas site to respond to tornado survivors impacted in the Midwest and Texas. World Vision has also responded to previous wildfires including those impacting families in Bastrop, TX in 2011 as well as in California in 2007 and 2008. 

The public can help by visiting www.worldvision.org, calling (888) 56-CHILD (2445), or by texting "GIVEUSA" to 777444 to make a $10 donation to World Vision's disaster response.

About World Vision:

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information on their efforts, visit www.worldvision.org/press or follow them on Twitter at @WorldVisionNews.

SOURCE World Vision