The Cassville Volunteer Fire Department in Sparta will be fundraising through a breakfast this Saturday.
Fire Chief Teddy Stockton said his crew consists of 30 members. Stockton said by buying a plate, you help the department conduct training and buy gear.
“We’ve had some new recruits this year,” Stockton said. “To suit a fireman up, it cost somewhere around $5,000 a piece. So this will help fund us for that, and we are looking to upgrade one of our trucks. Things like that is what the money would be going to.”
Stockton said the meal has a little bit of everything from country ham to biscuits and gravy. Stockton said this event is more important than most. Stockton said like many organizations, COVID had a negative impact on fundraising.
“Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to actually have any fundraisers because of COVID,” Stockton said. “This is our first breakfast we have had going on in a year and a half or two years. In those two years, we’ve lost some $8,000 to $10,000 and that’s made a big impact to us.”
Stockton said 68 percent of the nation’s firefighters are volunteers. Stockton said events like this help keep departments like Cassville’s alive. Stockton said participation helps the department do its daily duty. Helping the community.
“Hope to see everyone is able to make it there,” Stockton said. “I would like to thank everyone for their support. If they’re not able to come out to our breakfast, I hope they can support their local volunteer fire department and their rescue squad.”
Breakfast begins at 6:00 a.m. and runs until 10:00 a.m. Come to 227 Cassville Lane, six and half miles west of Sparta on Highway 70. Adults pay $7 children cost $5.