Community Generosity Helps Brighten Holidays for Local Families
By Paul Hall on Tuesday, January 12th, 2021 in Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories
LA GRANDE – The La Grande Rural Fire District Volunteer Association would like to extend sincere thanks to the community for its generosity this recent holiday season. Community Bank, Certified Personnel, Legacy Ram, and several private individuals donated $250, $750, $962.50, and $300 respectively for a total of $2,262.50 to the Association’s Shop with a Firefighter program this year. The Hog Wild Days pancake breakfast – the Association’s primary fundraiser – could not be done this spring, so the donations helped keep the holiday program on sound financial footing and allow for volunteers to purchase gifts and needed items for total of 10 households this Christmas.
Considering the current financial climate businesses are experiencing, the generosity of the donations was particularly appreciated. When providing their donation, a spokesperson from Legacy Ram (Dodge) said, “Everyone here at Legacy Ram wants to help where we can every year but especially this year with everything going on. …We feel that now more than ever our first responders need our help and support. We always promote business staying in our area so when we have a chance to give back to the community, we do what we can.” Similarly, a spokesperson with Community Bank said that “Community Bank is a proud to support such a wonderful program to help the kids and families in the area over the holidays.”
Speaking for the Volunteer Association, President Anthony Swales said “It is great to give back to those less fortunate in our community and bring them joy and some happiness when so many have struggled.” Due to COVID guidelines the shopping program had to be modified this year, with lists used by firefighters instead of taking the children out shopping, but plans are to return to normal operations with taking kids out shopping next December if possible.
