Forged in Compassion: Supporting the U. S. Steel Families
PITTSBURGH (August 20, 2025) – The Salvation Army of Western Pennsylvania is in partnership with U. S. Steel to collect donations on behalf of the families directly impacted by the explosion at the Clairton Coke Plant that occurred on Monday, August 11, 2025.
“Our hearts break for the families touched by this tragedy,” Major Marcus Jugenheimer, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army of Western Pennsylvania said. “Our community has already shown we are truly stronger together. The Salvation Army will continue to be here for those impacted and we are grateful for this opportunity to provide vital support.”
The community can visit salvationarmywpa.org/steel or text the word “steel” to 31333 to make a monetary donation, 100 percent of which will be used to support the immediate families of the deceased as well as those who suffered significant injuries and were or remain hospitalized. Donations for this fundraiser will be collected up until September 30, 2025, and all donations will be managed by The Salvation Army. Donations made after September 30 will go directly to The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services Equip the Frontlines campaign, a program that serves first responders and survivors of disasters throughout 28 counties in Western Pennsylvania.
“While U. S. Steel is directly supporting those impacted, our communities have asked what they can do to help,” said Heidi Chappell, Head of Community Engagement. “For more than a century, The Salvation Army has proven to be a trusted source of hope in our community,” Chappell added. “Our communities are generous, and we are grateful The Salvation Army can collect donations securely to ensure those impacted receive the support they need.”
The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) was on the scene of the explosion at Clairton Coke Plant, providing water, food and other support to first responders, plant personnel and other partner agencies. The Salvation Army deployed multiple canteens (mobile response vehicles) equipped with volunteers and staff. Thanks to support from corporate and community partners, The Salvation Army provided 650 meals, 500 bottles of water, 350 snack items, 850 drinks of various types and other recovery items.
In times of disaster, The Salvation Army Equips the Frontlines, serving first responders and survivors with safe shelter, warm meals, clothing and clean-up kits, along with spiritual support. This top-notch program for disaster preparedness and response extends throughout The Salvation Army’s 28-county Western Pennsylvania service area.
The Salvation Army helped more than 27 million people in 2024 overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food, shelter, eviction prevention assistance, emergency disaster relief, rehabilitation, summer youth programs, spiritual enrichment and more, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at more than 6,000 centers of operation around the country. The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of families and individuals in need through a wide variety of support services. For more information, visit salvationarmywpa.org.