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Drive-through drop-off planned for AVFD

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Members of the Albany Volunteer Fire Department will be on hand to unload donations of water, Gatorade, and Powerade at their upcoming water/Gatorade drive, set for Monday, July 16.

The water/Gatorade drive is scheduled to take place at the firehouse at 609 Railroad Street next Monday from 5:00 to 6:20 p.m., followed by the regular VFD meeting at 6:30 p.m.

“Our plan for the water/Gatorade event is that we will offer drive-through service,” said chief Kyle Tischler. “We’ll have the first bay opened up for folks to drive in, quickly get unloaded and then drive out. They won’t even have to get out of their cars, unless they want to, of course.”

Tischler said that members of the AVFD would be glad to give a tour of the fire house to anyone who would like to see it, and everyone interested in joining the department as well as those just wanting to find out what goes on, are welcome to stay for the fire meeting 

“We’re always more than happy to show anyone around the fire house,” the chief said. “Although we may not have as much (equipment) as we’d like, we are quite proud of everything we have. We don’t mind letting the public check it out, and it just might give us another reason to turn on the lights and sirens!”

An Abilene fast food restaurant has added a tasteful incentive for people to stop by the fire station and donate to the cause.

“Chick-fil-A on Hwy. 351 in Abilene has offered to provide sandwiches for the event,” said firefighter Joel Viertel. “We will give a sandwich to each of the first 50 folks who bring either a case of Gatorade or case of Powerade!”

The AVFD was not called out to respond to any fires during last week’s Fourth of July celebrations, but along with many other agencies, they were busy the previous two weeks battling multiple wildfires started by lightning strikes.

“We truly need help from all of you to help keep these firefighters hydrated,” said event organizer Jason Price. “We are asking that some of the donations be the low sugar Powerade and Gatorade as some members are diabetic and they need drinks without high amounts of sugar. If the firefighters become dehydrated from lack of fluids, or have muscle cramps because of loss of electrolytes, or become sick from consuming too much sugar, they cannot stay on the fire line.” 

At least six cases of water and four packs of Gatorade had already been donated toward the drive, said Tischler on Monday.

“If you feel moved to donate a case, a pallet, or even just a bottle, please bring it by the station on Monday, July 16 or message anyone of us on the VFD and we will be glad to meet you at the station anytime that is convenient,” Price added. “If we get more donated than we can use, we will share them with Moran and the Shackelford County Rural Department. Also, if you feel the calling to join us, there is a spot on the department for you!”

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