Getting to know one of our local firefighters!
Firefighters help our community in so many ways. Not only do they help us when we are in grave danger, but in every day life. They can even help you raise a few more dollars for your school!
When I was a teacher, the local engine company came to show the kindergartners what they do and how they use their equipment. They let the kids try on the jackets and boots and even let them try to do it in under a minute (which is part of the test to be a firefighter)! It was so incredible when they’d come in because it made our community feel that much more intimate. It felt like a small town, rather than a big city.
But whether you live in a big city or a rural town, you can always ask your local fire department to do something special that can be added to your silent auction or party book event. Here are a couple of ideas:
1. Ask if they would let you do a birthday party where you can bring some kids by to see the truck, meet the firefighters and maybe even share a pizza with them.
2. See if they would be willing to make dinner and eat with 5-10 parents.
3. Ask if they would consider having one or two families join them for dinner at the station.
I went to one of these dinners with 5 other moms. It was a party book event, so parents paid money to go to the event and 100% of the money went to the school. It was amazing! We got to know the firefighters as people. We heard about why they wanted to become firefighters and what they liked most about the job. They took pride in their cooking skills and really wanted to make the meal delicious. They always kept in mind that this could be their last meal — they had to make it count! The food was great and the conversation was even better. We all participated in their firefighter traditions/games to determine who would be cleaning the dishes. We got a tour of the trucks and a couple of moms even got to slide down the pole! It was a fun and memorable night for all of us.
We not only raised funds for the school, but built relationships with the guys who are in our community, protecting us every day!
The party book co-chairs bought a gift card to the local supermarket to cover the cost of the food.
Our firefighters do a lot, but when they give their time, they are giving us so much more. Of course, there is always the possibility that they will get called away to fight a fire or help someone in need, but that’s part of the excitement. This is another opportunity to connect with the people in your community. In the days following our dinner, some moms baked cookies while others bought things for the fire house kitchen.
It brought us all a little closer — to each other and to the firefighters who protect us. Now when we hear the sirens going as they meet whatever challenges lay ahead, we have a face to put with the uniform. We hope they stay safe as they do their job.
Here’s to firefighters and your success!
Sarah
Sarah has been fundraising for schools since 2008. She is the author of A Mom’s Guide to School Fundraising and has consulted for several schools and clubs. She has been featured on RetailMeNot.com, Scholastic: Parent & Child and The New York Times. She thinks all kids should be able to have a well-rounded education, team uniforms, instruments and support. Don’t you?