News
Christmas Tree Sales Support Two River Emergency Squads
By Ryan Fennell
WHETHER IT'S THROUGH joining the fire department or first aid squad or helping to provide food for the hungry, the Two River area has an abundance of helping hands on call to be there for their neighbors in need.
When a resident finds his or herself in a situation where help from others is vital such as a house or car on fire or a life-threatening medical emergency, volunteers from the community are the first on the scene.
And at times those services can be taken for granted, especially services that one might not realize come from the dedicated and tireless efforts of volunteers.
For volunteers to support the community, the community must support the volunteers.
Fundraisers are the lifeblood for many of these organizations, especially for the volunteer fire departments and first aid squads.
At this point in the year many people are preparing for the holidays and those that celebrate Christmas are in the market for a Christmas tree.
While Christmas trees are widely available, many residents choose to buy a tree from their local volunteer organization.
The money raised by these organizations through the sale of Christmas trees helps these organizations keep the doors open and the lights on.
However, while much of the money raised goes toward operational expenses, the money finds its way back to the community in a variety of ways. First, by keeping the doors open to provide the emergency services the organizations' missions are to provide.
The second way is less vital in an emergency sense but in some ways very vital to the spirit of the community.
The Borough of Little Silver benefits from the efforts of the Little Silver Fire Company, not only by having a trained fire company respond to an emergency but by also hosting and funding several social events and community gatherings throughout the year.
According to Dan Denton, past president and former chairman of the Little Silver Fire Company, after the operational expenses are paid, money raised is spent on maintaining its athletic fields in the rear of the firehouse, operating the Santa Delivery program on Christmas Eve, and hosting and providing prizes for the borough's annual Halloween Parade.
Denton said that donations also pay for the production of the newsletter as well as providing food, water, or coffee to the volunteers that are on scene at a fire call.
"Most fire companies members are homegrown and grew up in town, attended the schools, and have a vital interest in the town," Denton said. "Little Silver is a major part of our life and that's why we give back."
"For us it's a lot of fun," Denton said of the Christmas tree sales. "It's a chance for camaraderie. We are truly a family and enjoy being in each other's company and helping each other out."
According to Chairman Jim Jiminaro the Little Silver Fire Company stocks approximately 1,000 Douglas and Frasier fir trees in a variety of heights as well as wreaths, garland, and grave blankets.
"So far we've been very busy," said Jiminaro. "We are very pleased with how the sales have gone."
Jiminaro said that they stock high quality trees and for that reason many people come back year after year.
"We're dealing with people that expect the best from us," Jiminaro said.
Denton said that volunteers at the department net the trees for customers while also custom cutting the base to fit in stands and absorb water for a healthy Christmas season. Denton said that on occasion the fire department will even deliver the tree to someone's home and if necessary help to set it up inside the house.
"As a community service organization our personality is to help people," Denton said. "The bottom line is we enjoy doing it. It's a chance to talk to the community while selling and give back to the community throughout the year."
In Oceanport residents can find a Christmas tree at the First Aid Building on the corner of Pemberton Avenue and Oceanport Avenue.
Oceanport First Aid receives one-third of its money from the borough while having to meet two-thirds of its expenses through fundraising. The sale of Christmas trees and its Holiday Bazaar, which is scheduled for December 12, makes up a significant portion of the organizations financial needs for the year.
The money raised goes toward operational expenses as well as training its members and CPR and First Aid programs provided to members of the community according to volunteer Carole Connor.
The Holiday Bazaar helps augment the sale of trees by holding a morning for the community to gather and enjoy refreshments and holiday fun.
"We pay the mortgage on this building. We have to raise the money," Connor said. "A significant portion of our fundraising comes from the tree sales."
As many Two River residents are aware the Fair Haven Fire Department hosts an annual Firemen's Fair on its firehouse grounds each summer. That fundraiser makes up a major portion of the company's funds for the year but Christmas tree sales significantly supplement those funds according to volunteer Steven Butch.
"It helps with buying the apparatus, helps the fire department to buy equipment. It's also an opportunity to meet people and associate with them," Butch said.
"We can give a little more attention and it's going to something that's going to help you out," said Butch.
Butch said that sales this year have been good "considering the times." Butch also pointed out that the prices have remained the same for the last three to four years.
The Fair Haven Fire Department also has a Santa Claus come to the firehouse and give rides on the trucks. They also have a Santa delivery program where people can bring presents down to the firehouse and Santa will deliver them to their homes via a fire truck.
