In between wildfires, firefighters give back to community
Published 1:01 pm Friday, August 22, 2014
Eastside Fire Fighters Benevolent Fund spearheaded a project to build a wood shed for the Carnation senior center thrift shop on Aug. 20. While completing the weekly blood pressure checks at the senior center one morning, and knowing they had been in need of a wood storage area for quite some time, firefighters recognized an opportunity to help out.
Lumber was donated from the Issaquah Home Depot and tools and labor were supplied by the Eastside Fire Fighters. Home Depot has a community impact grants program used strictly for nonprofit organizations that focus on the power of volunteers to improve the physical health of their community. Issaquah store manager John Delacour offered the donation.
In March 2011, the Eastside Fire Fighters Benevolent Fund was established in an effort to provide relief to persons suffering from poverty, homelessness and other deserving causes. The fund also was created to assist the community served by Eastside Fire Fighters, which includes Eastside Fire and Rescue, Fall City Fire, Duvall Fire and Snoqualmie Fire Department. The benevolent fund also can provide relief for firefighters and their families in the event of a financial difficulty due to an unforeseen emergency situation or disaster.
“Having the opportunity to make an impact on the community we serve is a priority and a pleasure of ours,” said Benevolent Fund Chair Dave McDaniel.
The shed was projected to be completed and in full use by the end of the business day of Aug. 22.
“We are excited that such a project could be put together on such short notice,” says senior center Manager Pat Beagle. The employees and the members of the center and thrift shop are ecstatic about their new addition.”
