Helping victims of fire and other tragedies is the main purpose of the I.A.F.F. Local 347 Benevolent Fund. While firefighters have always strived to help people in times of emergency, it became apparent in the early 1980's that a more organized effort was needed to target those individuals and families who had immediate needs due to loss from a fire or other emergency.
Thanks to a well-organized grassroots effort by the Local membership at that time, the Benevolent Fund was created. Numerous fund raisers were held to initailly fund the project. A plea went out to local merchants to assist in the effort, and the response was very good. Over the years, similar fund raising projects have resulted in adequate funding to keep the Benevolent Fund a very valuable source for people in need.
Persons who experience property loss are interviewed to determine what their most immediate needs are, and whether they have other resources from which to gain help in their situation. The Benevolent Fund focuses on three main areas: food, clothing and shelter. Several local merchants have agreed to assist Local 347 in carrying out its effort. Victims may need several night's stay in a local motel; they may need clothing for themselves and their family; they may have had a kithen fire and lost all of their food.
The Benevolent Fund has helped hundreds of individuals and families over the past twenty years. Of the many activities in which Local 347 is involved, maintaining the Benevolent Fund is perhaps the one of which it is most proud.
Anyone wishing to make a tax deductible donation
to the Benevolent Fund may do so by mailing it to:
I.A.F.F. Benevolent Fund
3500 E. Cumberland Rd.
Bluefield, WV 24701
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