submitted by

Richard Swart

Fire District 4 volunteer firefighters will hold an old-fashioned “Boot Campaign” Saturday and Sunday at the Cathlamet Chevron gas station on SR 4 to raise money for the Kiwanis Doernbecher Children’s Cancer Program (KDCCP). For at least 150 years, firefighters across America have turned out in force to hold out their boots to collect funds for charity.

“This year, our members decided we wanted to serve the community some way in addition to fighting fires,” said District Fire Chief Jim Wilson. “Doing something to support research and advanced treatment of cancer in kids seemed like just the thing our crew would want to do. We will have firefighters stationed at the gas station from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, and hope folks will give generously.”

As reported in the February 23 Eagle, the Kiwanis Club of Cathlamet is running its annual Doernbecher Days awareness and fund raising program, and is sponsoring the Wahkiakum High School Key Club’s project to raise money for the Doernbecher Kids Making Miracles Program.

“This year, our Kiwanis Club is reaching out to new partners who want to find ways to serve children,” said club spokesperson Dick Swart. “When Fire District 4 offered their help, we were delighted and honored. We hope that all the emergency responders in Wahkiakum County will want to participate in the future. They have the organization, professionalism, and community respect to keep building ways to move pediatric cancer research and treatment forward.”

Chief Wilson and Swart wish to express thanks to Chevron Station owners Greg and Barb Bain for allowing this project to take place on their property. Questions about Fire District 4’s role may be referred to Chief Wilson at 795-3781. Questions about the Kiwanis Club’s program may be referred to Dick Swart at 795-8444.