Volunteer Fire Department (Scranton: how much, maintenance, live in)

[AmyRF25]

Hi All,

So we finally relocated to PA (thanks to all that helped in my previous posts). We wanted to donate money to our local volunteer fire depart, but we have no idea what is a good amount. Can anyone offer suggestions?

Thanks,
Amy

[karen_s]

Bless you for your generosity! I'd say donate as much as you can afford to. I've been a volunteer EMT for many years now, and all of these organizations truly struggle to balance the budget with all the equipment needs.

Something else you can do is designate your gift - if there is something specific you would like them to do with the money. Many volunteer companies have a separate truck fund, equipment fund, building fund, training fund (all of these particular designations depend on the organization of course) and you could request that they use your donation toward a specific category.

Hope that helps!

[ScranBarre]

Our township's volunteer fire department sends out annual mailing soliciting donations from households and businesses in our community. I believe the suggested amounts are $25 per household per year and $100 per business per year. Some people give more; some people don't give at all. There are a lot of big-box stores and other chains here now, so I'd be a bit irked if I discovered that some of them did not donate to the very same brave men and women who VOLUNTEER to keep their businesses safe. As we just saw with the tragedy in Scranton, our firefighters and EMTs are often taken for granted. I live in a community of 4,000 residents, so you may wish to donate more than $25 if you live in a larger community or less if you live in a smaller one.

No matter what it is REFRESHING to see someone donating to help their community. Bravo!

[Dawne]

Our local volunteer fire department sends out requests for donations once a year with boxes to check off for $25, $30, $40 and Other. Many volunteer fire departments have outdated equipment and need to upgrade. Did you know a new engine or pumper or tanker can cost over half a million dollars?! Even "small" stuff, like the jaws of life, hoses, turnout gear, heat sensors, etc. can run into the thousands of dollars. Give what you can, and if you find you can give more at another time you can give again. I try to give $100 annually, and my husband puts in a lot of hours so we contribute in that way too.

That's another thing. If you're able, think about giving some of your time. Departments are always looking for a few more able bodies to help out. There are inside jobs (taking care of equipment, washing trucks, folding hoses, running a bar or restaurant if there is one, cleaning, carpentry, maintenance, etc.) and outside jobs (going to fires and accidents and medical assistance calls).

Whatever you can give, no matter how large or how small, will be greatly appreciated by those who serve you.

[susquehannock]

If I would ever win the lottery, the local fire departments would receive very sizable donations.

[Dawne]

Originally Posted by susquehannock

If I would ever win the lottery, the local fire departments would receive very sizable donations.

Well, best of luck to you then!

[dugdogmaster]

Originally Posted by AmyRF25

Hi All,

So we finally relocated to PA (thanks to all that helped in my previous posts). We wanted to donate money to our local volunteer fire depart, but we have no idea what is a good amount. Can anyone offer suggestions?

Thanks,
Amy

You rock dude! I'm a volunteer firefighter myself, and really appreciate you wanting to give. Send whatever you can afford, it doesn't matter how little or how much it is, every little bit helps and is appreciated. My department sends out an annual mailing as well, and we receive back anything from $5 all the way up to over a couple hundred. And if you and your wife are feeling really randy, you should see about joining You don't have to actually fight fire to help out, many volunteer departments have all types of positions that need filled, from secretaries, to fire police(they help with traffic control at incidents), to scene support(fetching drinks and food at incidents that last HOURS!), to actual firefighters and ems personnel.

Edit: Holy cow Batman! I didn't realize this thread was so old, sorry.