Whether night or day — rain or shine, the firefighters at Station 3 in Gingellville are always prepared to answer the alarm.
Similarly, when the holiday season rolls around, the group is ready again to answer the bell. But this time for another cause — the annual Goodfellows newspaper sale.
For 40 years, firefighters at Station 3 have raised money through collections and sales of their Goodfellows newspaper to assist local individuals and families in need of assistance.
The group will be out en masse again on Saturday, Dec. 2, collecting donations and selling the annual Goodfellows edition.
Fire Capt. Rich Hansen said the entire team at Station 3 looks forward to taking part in the effort.
‘It’s all hands on deck for this,? said Hansen. ‘Everyone helps out. We all get satisfaction out of knowing we can help our neighbors.?
From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on December 2, firefighters will be stationed at the Big Boy and Kroger on Baldwin Road, seeking donations and selling papers.
Collection cans will be placed at other locations in the community for residents to make donations, Hansen added.
‘This money will be used specifically for local people,? said Hansen. ‘We provide food baskets, winter coats and toys for children.
‘In some cases, we’ll help families pay their utility bills if we find out that is the greater need,? he added.
The firefighters take the entire effort to its conclusion — from start to finish.
‘We make the deliveries to the families ourselves,? said Hansen. ‘We raise the money. Then we all get together to assemble the baskets, wrap the gifts and deliver them.?
Hansen pointed out that the personal rewards are well worth participating in the annual collection and Goodfellow paper sale.
‘This is very meaningful to all of us,? he said. ‘Firefighters are community-minded. We’re not only firefighters, we’re Scout leaders, coaches and generally involved in the community in one way or another.?
For the 17 men and one woman who man Station 3, serving the community is more than a tradition — it’s a responsibility, said Hansen.
He and his fellow firefighters ask that anyone who can afford to make a donation this year, to please do so. ‘Any size donation is appreciated,? said Hansen. ‘And don’t forget to buy a newspaper.?
Firefighters at Orion Township’s Station 3 cover the Gingellville area along the Baldwin Road corridor, from Brown Road to Stanton Road, and east to Joslyn Road.