Volunteer Clara Stanley (left) and Brown County Volunteer Fire Department President Lacy Hazelgrove (right) worked together in 2020 to draw in donations for the Fill the Boot challenge, raising funds for Brown County fire departments. One driver by stopped to donate as much as $20 in support of local fire fighters.
Democrat file photo
On Friday, Oct. 28, volunteers from Rotary Club of Brown County, Brown County Presbyterian Church, Brown County Community Foundation (BCCF), local first responders and more will be seen at different locations in the area, as they ask for donations to Fill the Boot for Brown County first responders.
Across the county at key locations, these volunteers will work to collect donations to support the heroes of Brown County.
“Each month, The Rotary Club of Brown County pursues opportunities to serve and improve our community” Rotary President Jim Tichenor said in a press release.
“This month we are honored to join forces with the Brown County Presbyterian Church, The Brown County Community Foundation and the entire county in supporting first responders who are always there for us and in so many ways.”
This fundraiser was created in 2020 as a response to local fire departments having reduced funding available due to the pandemic.
With less income from fundraisers, increased expenses and no immediate relief in sight, Rotary members and BCCF came up with a plan to help.
This year they are including all first responders to help support each other on First Responders Day, Oct. 28. Donations collected will be split evenly with Brown County first responders.
“These amazing people put their safety on the line every day to help their fellow Brown County residents. We want you to consider a gift of any amount to help these incredible first responders,” Maddison Miller, BCCF CEO, said in a press release.
“So, join us and make a donation to support our local heroes!”
Businesses, organizations, and individuals are all invited to Fill the Boot. All donations are helpful and will go to support this important work. The Brown County Presbyterian Fellowship (BCPF) recently joined in the effort with a donation of $5,000 to support the fundraiser. “You can make a donation today or you can wait until the day of the event, but please give something to support these fine folks that support us,” said Jane Gore from BCPF.
Including the efforts of all first responders in this year’s fundraiser was inspired by the voices of John and Karen Elliot.
“Learning that Brown County departments are under-resourced has inspired us to partner with the Brown County Community Foundation in calling on every Brown County neighbor to join Karen and me in donating increments of $9.11,” John said.
“This is both a tribute to the 9-1-1 emergency number that ensures a first responder will be there when our health or safety is at risk – and a tribute to the first responders who raced toward danger on Sept. 11 in New York, Washington, DC and Pennsylvania. Please provide $9.00, $91.00, $911, $9,110 or more, perhaps even as a recurring monthly gift and please remember to support First Responder Day in Brown County on Oct. 28.”
To donate to this fundraiser prior to Oct. 28, you can visit browncountygives.org or text the code FILLTHEBOOT to 44321.
On the day of the event, there will be locations throughout the Town of Nashville and Brown County where donations can be made:
- Village Green Pavilion at Main and Jefferson streets
- Main and Van Buren streets intersection
- Main Street and Schoolhouse Lane intersection
- Nashville BP Gas Station,
- Brown County IGA, 30 Hawthorne Drive
- Bear Hardware, 75 Chestnut St.
- Gnaw Mart, 4947 State Road 46 East
For more information call the Brown County Community Foundation at 812-988-4882.
