Scottsbluff, Nebraska Firefighter Ministry Helps Fire Victims

When the Firefighter Ministry started last year, the group hit the ground running.

“Since we started in January of last year, we have assisted nine families with fires and helped people during 14 events, including going to the Chadron and Harrison wildfires,” said organizer Carissa Smith.

The organization started after the American Red Cross shut down its local chapter. As recently as Thursday, the Firefighter Ministry provided aid to a Gering woman whose home suffered damage as result of a fire.

“The American Red Cross sent someone out to help, as well, but the closest person is in Paxton,” Smith said. “I had been called right away and when I went back at 5:30 p.m., the Red Cross representative had just gotten there. There is a time lag in providing services (through the Red Cross). For families, they are left to deal with things on their own and with no direction.”

After a local fire department expressed concerns about needing an organization to help provide services, Smith and others stepped up. The organization isn’t only providing financial assistance, but also serves to help connect families and individuals with other resources.

“I gave them some instructions for cleaning up clothing, as I have some information for getting smoke out of your clothing and items after a fire. “I have a list of other services that people can use and a list of possible rentals. If a person is unable to find anyone on that list, I can come up with more. A group of volunteers will help families move their stuff, and I try to see if we can get some cleanup services donated. Mostly, it’s just keeping up the contact between them and me to offer that ongoing support.”

All of the services provided by the Firefighter Ministry are made possible with donations. The United Way of Western Nebraska provided $1,000 to help the organization get started. Individuals, businesses and others have provided enough donations that the organization has given more than $2,000 in aid over the past year.

Currently, the ministry has two fundraisers under way and is asking for the public’s participation.

Smith is gathering items, from housewares to furniture and appliances, for a garage sale. The sale will be on April 13, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the First Baptist Church’s annex building.

Donations for the garage sale are being accepted. No clothing will be accepted, but Smith said other donations would be greatly appreciated. Small items can be dropped off at a donation house set up at the First Baptist Church. Smith can be contacted to set up a pickup time for other donations.

“We would greatly appreciate anything that people can contribute,” Smith said.

The Firefighter Ministry is also hosting sales of T-shirts featuring the organization. The red T-shirts will be on sale over the next three weeks, with Smith intending to submit orders at the end of March. Short-sleeved T-shirts are available for $10 and long-sleeved shirts are available for $13. Sweatshirts are also available at a cost of $15 for a crewneck sweatshirt and $25 for a hooded sweatshirt. Interested persons are asked to submit orders as soon as possible.

Cash or check donations can also be made to the Firefighter Ministry at the Platte Valley Bank branch, located on Avenue B.

For more information on the fundraisers, contact Smith at 308-631-9674 or email at [email protected]