Lakeside Rescue’s 50th needs support
As the Lakeside Volunteer Rescue Squad nears its 50th anniversary celebration, the planned two-day event is already operating on life support. But that isn’t stopping the volunteers and friends of the cornerstone of the Lakeside community from moving ahead with anniversary plans on August 16 and 17. The Times-Dispatch has more: “It’s not coming together like […]
As the Lakeside Volunteer Rescue Squad nears its 50th anniversary celebration, the planned two-day event is already operating on life support. But that isn’t stopping the volunteers and friends of the cornerstone of the Lakeside community from moving ahead with anniversary plans on August 16 and 17. The Times-Dispatch has more:
“It’s not coming together like we hoped,” said Tracy Giddens-Jarrett, longtime volunteer and five-year president. “We may even have to drop down to just one day. A band has volunteered, and we might be able to have people come by for a hot dog or something. Our lifetime members will show up, of course, but mostly we’ll just be here.”
“Being here” for Lakeside volunteers means 24 hours a day, seven days a week for 50 years.
The all-volunteer force — 69 people ranging from ages 16 to 70 — handles about 3,500 calls a year and puts in 30,000 hours annually in actual real-time missions.
Giddens-Jarrett had envisioned displays, children’s activities, music, food, 50-year commemorative gifts and games for the celebration.
“We budgeted $12,000; less than $1,000 has come in,” she said.
The squad is still accepting donations for the anniversary event, and encourages the community to stop by for a visit on August 16.
-
Recommend this
on Facebook -
Report an error
-
Subscribe to our
Weekly Digest
This article has been closed to further comments.