Ford Helps The Salvation Army with Disaster Relief

PEKIN, Ill. – Ford Motor Company has been giving back to its Michigan communities for years now, and now Ford is helping The Salvation Army with disaster relief.

A 2016 Ford Transit 350 cargo van has been designed to help respond to emergency situations in Southeast Michigan. The cargo van will be used by a disaster services volunteer team that responds to requests from local authorities. The volunteer team provides food, drinks, clothing, communication support, blankets, temporary shelter, and cleanup kits to victims of an extreme disaster, as well as the first responders like police and firefighters.

Janet Lawson, the director of the Ford Motor Company fund and the philanthropic arm of Ford, is thrilled to be part of this project saying, “Assisting with disaster relief is an important part of our mission to serve the communities where we live and work. The flexibility of the Ford Transit van makes it a great fit for The Salvation Army’s emergency response fleet.”

The sleek design of the Ford Transit 350 gives it an advantage to maneuver in small places where an emergency might occur. Inside the cargo van, the ceiling is 6ft 9in so most people can stand comfortably. To prepare for any situation there is LED strobe lighting in the roof and grille, along with sirens and external speakers. So everyone on the disaster team can stay connected at all times, there’s also a ham radio antenna and generator. On the inside of the cargo van is a stove, microwave, coffeemaker, freezer, sink, electric hot water heater, and a refrigerator.

Fords help with The Salvation Army will serve up to 250 victims is a disaster. Another Transit is being donated to Kansas City as well. We’re proud to be part of such a great company that’s always willing to help their community. If you need any help with your vehicle needs, come to Velde Ford. We’re happy to take care of you and your vehicle. Take a look at our Spring Car Care section to see what kind of maintenance your vehicle needs this season. Schedule your service appointment with us online.

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit Velde Ford located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

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Converted Ford Transit Helps The Salvation Army Feed the Poor

PEKIN, Ill. –– From our participation in Central Illinois Food4All this past August, it’s clear that our Ford dealer near Bellevue, IL, is committed to providing essential needs to financially struggling individuals.

That’s why we're proud to see Ford Motor Co. helping provide a converted Ford Transit to help The Salvation Army feed the poor and homeless through its Grate Patrol program on Washington’s streets. Grate Patrol has served 1.3 million meals to homeless men and women over the last three decades, and continues to deliver 150 meals, snacks, and hydration every night.

“Ford is proud to support The Salvation Army’s mobile meals program as part of our commitment to help build strong communities everywhere our employees live and work,” said Janet Lawson, director, Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company. “Transit – America’s best-selling commercial van – has the size and flexibility that make it the right vehicle for this program.”

After Grate Patrol retired its previous van of 10 years, Ford was one of the top donors to help provide a converted Ford Transit to help The Salvation Army feed the poor. The customized van includes a sink, refrigerator, food preparation space, service window, and cabinets, making the process of delivering meals much more feasible and convenient.

As one of the world’s most prominent automakers, Ford uses its influence to impact local communities, and that’s what we continue to do as a smaller part of Ford, whether it’s by providing affordable used cars and trucks for sale near Bellevue, IL, or by participating in community events like Central Illinois Food4All.

At Velde Ford, we are committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit our dealership, Velde Ford at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com

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