Regional fire association describes 'Holidays with Heroes' fundraiser, reports $11,000 in burnout-fund deposits
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Summary
A fire association representative told the quorum court about a revamped community event, 'Van Buren County Holidays with Heroes,' reporting $4,036 raised at the expo and roughly $11,000 deposited to a burnout fund that helps fire victims with hotel stays and gift cards.
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.