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PLYMOUTH TWP. — A Christmas in July craft show at the Plymouth Township Fire Rescue Tilbury station on Saturday was more than simply an opportunity for area residents to do some early Christmas shopping. It was a chance for some much needed fundraising for the township’s fire department which often falls short.
Longtime firefighter Merrit Nash said the craft show is important because funding from the township and other fundraisers cover only about 75 percent of the fire company’s approximately $8,000 monthly budget.
“We average about 150 to 200 calls a year and, although that translates into only about five to seven major structure fires, to those families, fire department response means everything,” he said. “Brush fires are also a major concern because of forest areas and we need specific equipment and vehicles for that.”
Nash also was quick to detail assistance the fire department provided to area residents during flooding in 2011.
“For about two weeks, our garage was a warehouse,” he said. “Neighboring towns brought trucks with supplies that ranged from toilet paper to shampoo. We immediately became an emergency evacuation shelter.”
For vendor Joshua Bohinski, the event was an opportunity to demonstrate his painting style, make a few sales and interact with potential customers.
“Most of the events that I do are benefits,” he said. “I like being able to help.”
Bohinski’s preferred medium is spray painting, but he used acrylics on Saturday.
“I didn’t think they would appreciate it if I got paint all over,” he said.
Sheri Resperski, owner of Sheri’s Beaded Bling, offered jewelry consistent with the holiday theme, highlighting earrings and bracelets in traditional red and green.
Also gracing Resperski’s table was a “Charlie Brown Christmas tree,” complete with a single red ornament.
“I love the Peanuts cartoon,” she said. “I thought it would be perfect.”
Karen Hudak, an independent Damsel distributor, was at the event to sell security items for women and provide safety information.
Hudak demonstrated a variety of items that can assist in an accident or emergency, including pepper spray, alarms and “kubotans” which turn a set of keys into weapons.
Nash said of the safety items, “You don’t need them often, but when you do need them, they can save your life.”
Holly Rule, Organizer of the inaugural event, said the department is always looking to think out of the box in regard to fund raising.
“We want to make use of the space that we do have,” she said. “Christmas in July was a great idea; we had great response from vendors. Next year, we’ll do even better, do a bit more publicity.”
Customer Bonnie Traher, whose husband is a firefighter, said money raised from such events is much needed.
“It takes a lot of money to run a fire department,” she said.
As he made his way through the event, Nash emphasized the importance of community support for the fire department.
“We’re all-volunteer,” he said. “So we squeeze everything we can out of every penny.”
“We need heavy duty equipment that lasts, suitable for a fire emergency,” he said. “For firefighting, even a flash light can cost upwards of $100. Things have to last. We pay for durability.”
Sylvia Nash, Merrit Nash’s mother and secretary/treasurer for the department, said retirement has afforded her the opportunity to assist the department and the community in general.
“Its really important that we have community support,” she said. “The entire fire department really appreciates it.”
