The Mount Carmel Area Rescue Squad's annual fund raising drive begins April 1st. Donation requests will be mailed to residents of the organization's primary coverage area. Rescue squad officers wish to stress that NO telephone or door-to door solicitations will be made. Residents are asked to mail their donations to the rescue squad at PO Box 372, Mount Carmel. Citizens can also drop of their donations the First National Bank, Community Bank or Union National Bank.

The Mount Carmel Area Rescue Squad has been serving our community with dignity and pride since 1976 and has been recognized as one of the best emergency service organizations in the area. During 1999 the rescue squad responded to a record 857 emergency calls as well as participating in various public service projects.

When an emergency call goes out the Rescue Squad is there to give whatever assistance is needed. Once each year the Rescue Squad requests the citizens of the Mount Carmel Area to help them continue their vital emergency services by asking each household to contribute $25.00 to our annual fund raising drive.

The annual fund drive is the primary source of revenue to pay for the rescue squad's ever-increasing operating expenses. Last year's budget for maintenance, insurance and other operating costs was $28,000, the organization also continues to make payments on a $75,000 loan taken for the purchase of its 1994 heavy duty rescue truck. Last year the Squad was forced to replace its aging quick response unit. The old unit was in need of constant repair which took it out of service frequently. In order to make sure the organization had a quick response unit available for emergency calls, it purchased a more reliable unit, a 1993 Ford Explorer. As a result of this purchase the rescue squad is required to make payments on an additional $13,000 loan.

"The cost of running your household goes up every year. The costs of keeping our rescue units operational and paying utility costs have also increased dramatically. On April 1st of each year the Rescue Squad asks area residents for contributions to pay for our ever increasing operating costs and each year the community responds allowing us to continue to provide emergency services for another year. The continued operation of the rescue squad is solely dependent on residents' response to this annual appeal for donations." stated Gary Hixon, Rescue Squad President

"Members would like to remind residents that no direct municipal tax dollars have ever been used for the purchase of rescue squad vehicles, equipment or building construction costs. The rescue squad is finding it increasingly difficult to meet the spiraling costs of providing our services to the community. We rely on the support of area residents because without it we will not be able to continue operation. The members of the Rescue Squad ask that our citizens contribute as generously as possible to this year's drive so that we can continue to provide vital emergency services." stated Hixon.

"We hope that you will answer our call for help so the Mount Carmel Area Rescue Squad will be able to be there to answer a call if you ever need emergency help." Hixon concluded.

If you would like more Fund Rasing Information, Please Call Us at 339-2440, or Email FundRasing@station5.org

All of the Funds Raised, Go Toward the Purchase of Equipment to Help Supply both Rescue 5 and Squad 5.