A fundraiser is being planned later this month to acquire new mattresses and boxsprings for the Roanoke Rapids Fire Department’s stations 1 and 2.
It is an event that is being spearheaded by the Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Roanoke Rapids, said Ginny Lewis, president and CEO of the Chamber.
The effort also includes partnerships with B&J’s Cash & Carry and Rest E-Z at Shell Furniture.
A GoFundMe page has also been set up by WPTM radio personality Cleve Baker for the effort.
“We’re very much appreciative of the support from the community towards this fundraiser the RV Chamber of Commerce is doing for us,” said RRFD Chief Jason Patrick this afternoon.
Lewis said the effort was born when a family member asked about the availability of a little-used twin bed she had.
The family member said she planned to take it to the fire station for her husband, who is a firefighter.
The old bed he was sleeping on was old and gave him little cushioning.
From there the idea was born and on August 27 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. the hot dog bag sale will be held with pick up at either stations 1 or 2. Station 1 is located on Roanoke Avenue and station 2 is off Highway 125 near Touchstone Bank.
The cost of a donation is $8 and includes two hot dogs, chips, slaw and a drink.
A boot will be at both locations for people to make additional donations.
The donations will be used to purchase 21 mattresses and boxsprings for both stations — 10 at station 1 and 11 at station 2.
Tickets are available at B&J’s, Steve’s Tire and Auto, SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids, the chamber and any Rotary Club member.
Donations can also be made at Touchstone Bank into a special account set up for the effort.
Response has been positive, Lewis said. “It never ceases to amaze me when there’s a need the Roanoke Valley will step up.”
Lewis said she and the partners believe this fills a need within the fire department. “If we as a community can get them the mattresses they can be well-rested.”
On the GoFundMe page Baker notes, “It was brought to our attention at the Maverick Talk Show on WPTM-FM 102.3 in Weldon, NC, that our local firemen have been sleeping on mattresses that are over 20 years old. The bedding is worn slam out and we as a community can not allow for it.”
For more information contact Lewis at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 252-519-2611 or Alice Williams of the Rotary Club at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 252-532-4159.
