IRVING, TEXAS– The Gene and Jerry Jones Family Charities will make a $100,000 donation to The Salvation Army to assist with the charity's disaster relief efforts in West, Texas.
The close-knit Texas community was devastated by a fertilizer plant explosion last week that killed 15 citizens, including 10 first responders, and injured more than 160 people.
"The community of West, Texas, has suffered a tremendous loss through this tragedy," said Charlotte Jones Anderson, president of charities for the Dallas Cowboys, in a news release. "But they have also shown their strength and resilience in beginning the healing process as well. We hope that others will join us in supporting the efforts of The Salvation Army as the focus turns to providing the resources necessary to help the great people of West rebuild."
Salvation Army personnel will collect financial donations from fans wishing to join the outreach effort at the team's annual NFL Draft Party at Cowboys Stadium on Thursday, April 25. By midnight on the night of the incident, The Salvation Army had mobilized support teams and deployed five Emergency Disaster Canteens (mobile kitchens) to the West area.
The massive blast from the explosion measured 2.1 on the Richter scale and was felt as far as 80 miles away in Dallas. More than 75 homes and businesses were destroyed, including a 50 unit apartment complex and a nursing home facility.
Monetary donations to the city and citizens of West allow disaster responders to immediately meet the specific needs of the disaster survivors.
