Dear Neighbor,

It is that time of year again when the Elwood Vol Fire Company begins its annual fund drive. We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely that those of you who donate so generously last year. It is because of your kind generosity that we are able to continue to provide the fire and rescue services you expect and deserve from your local Volunteer fire company.

In these very difficult economic times we need your support more then ever before. Most households and businesses are tightening their fiscal belts to prepare themselves for the unpredictable economy. We understand this because we too have been forced to revise our fire company budget and expenditures in ways we never have before. We have attempted to do so without compromising the excellent fire service that we provide to this community.  Our fear is that some may disregard this request for donation as unnecessary, when the exact opposite is true. We depend heavily on your support and generosity to meet our yearly budgetary needs. We depend on you just as you depend on us, the Elwood Volunteer Fire Company, to be there when you have a fire or related emergency.

The Elwood Volunteer Fire Company has all the normal expenses like heat, electric, office supplies, fuel, insurance, apparatus and equipment. The only expense we don't incur is payroll because we are volunteers. We must continue to train our members and update our apparatus and equipment to keep our firefighter as safe as possible and to provide the highest level of service to our community. The cost of running a fire department is very high; like the $3000 it cost outfit one firefighter in gear to protect them during a fire, or the $3500 it cost for breathing apparatus to help firefighters breathe while inside a burning house, to the hundreds of thousands of dollars for a modern fire truck.

We are always here at a moments notice when you need us.Won't you please help us in our hour of need? Your donation will help to make sure we can provide the best services that the The Elwood Volunteer Fire Company has provided in years past.

Thank you for your support, and we hope you will continue to support us in the future.

Sincerely,

The Officers and Members of the

Elwood Volunteer Fire Company