A representative of the local fire chiefs association updated the Van Buren County quorum court about changes to a community fundraiser now called "Van Buren County Holidays with Heroes," which will involve police, fire and EMS and expand community outreach formerly branded as "Shop with a Cop."

The speaker, introduced by the presiding officer as Grant, said the group raised $4,036 at the recent expo and has roughly $11,000 banked for a burnout fund that provides short-term assistance to families that lose their homes in fires. "We raised $4,036 just that day," Grant said, and explained the fund pays for a few nights in a hotel and Walmart gift cards—typically up to $100 per family—plus other immediate needs.

Court members and the presiding officer praised the Fire Chiefs Association for organizing the expo and described county emergency management procedures: when a household loses a home, the fire chief or the county emergency management coordinator provides a stuffed animal for children, a contact packet for the American Red Cross, and short-term hotel placement while longer-term aid is arranged.

The speaker asked for voluntary community support and distributed applications for those interested in helping with future events.