Salvation Army provides water near RNC protest areas

Salvation Army volunteers provide hydration stations at 11 locations near RNC in Tampa. | Miriam Valverde/Bradenton Herald

By Miriam Valverde
Herald reporter


The Salvation Army has volunteers at 11 posts throughout Tampa giving out water to thirsty Republican National Convention protesters, organizers, and just anyone who is in need of a sip of water.
"Our role to support the City of Tampa in ensuring the public health and
safety by providing hydration resources fits within our Emergency Disaster
Services mission," said Kevin Smith, Salvation Army's emergency services
director in a news release. "We are fortunate to have many partners that care about the
significant heat during this event and we all want to ensure their safety."
The Salvation Army had one post at the Planned Parenthood "Women Are Watching" rally.
Members with the Manatee County Salvation Army were set up at an AFL-CIO march Wednesday evening.
Lt. Jamie Ward, said the county organizations are partnering with the City of Tamp to provide the free hydration stations.
The Manatee County crew have worked at the St. Petersburg Police Headquarters, Perry Harvey Park in Tampa and the designated parade route. Ward said the group has served more than 20 gallons of water.
"We've just been really appreciative of how thankful everyone is," Ward said.