WILKES-BARRE, PA—City firefighters have given some thought to the food donations they’ve received while working the front line during the coronavirus crisis and said “no more, please.”

Though appreciative of the support, Local 104 of the International Association of Fire Firefighters said others need it more than they do.

“The part we’re grateful for, we’re still able to work,” said Jeremy Cook, vice president of Local 104. The firefighters would prefer to see those donations go to others, he added.

Dozens of local businesses have donated meals to the city firefighters and police, Cook said Monday. Even when they’ve offered to pay, the businesses refused to accept it, he said.

Last week, the union posted a message on its Facebook page that read:

”We are essential workers. We appreciate the many businesses and citizens who have donated meals to our members at work during this crisis.

“However, our community is struggling right now with so many people out of work.

“Please, allow us to pay for our meals and support our community! We appreciate your generosity, but please offer it to someone who is out of work, struggling to feed their family, the self employed, or otherwise not covered financially from the COVID-19 crisis.

“Stay Healthy!”

The message appeared to get through. “The guys over the weekend, they did buy all their meals and stuff,” Cook said.

In addition to the public safety services they provide, the firefighters would like to help out in another way, Cook said. They regularly contribute when a union member on one of the four working groups needs help. They’d like to do the same in these extraordinary times and contribute to area food pantries, Cook said.

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