TYLER, TX (KLTV) - East Texans can't stop singing praises for all of the fire fighters who have been fighting these fires. Everyone knows that praise is well deserved. Now, one Tyler credit union has set up a fund for people who wish to donate.
Altra Federal Credit Union in Tyler is collecting donations at their Troup Highway and Highway 64 locations. They said all of the money collected will be distributed to volunteer departments, mostly in Smith County.
The credit union said they came up with the idea in honor of one employee who is actually a volunteer fire fighter, too.
"It's really important to me and it's exciting. It's something that I feel a strong desire about-- to help others-- and knowing that everyone is wanting to pull together and do something to help and support all of the local departments and all of the volunteers is really great," Kenny Vent, an Altra employee and volunteer fire fighter said.
Vent said a lot of volunteer departments budgets have been depleted while fighting a number of fires in East Texas. He said the money would help with fuel costs, equipment upgrades, insurance and training fees.
"In light of all of the recent fires in our areas and the communities that have been affected, we felt like we wanted to try to do our part and give back to our communities," said Altra Manager Tim Ogrodnik.
Ogrodnik said in less than 24 hours Altra Credit Union received more than $500 in of donations.
He said they've ordered T-shirts and plan to sell them and donate the proceeds to the volunteer fire department fund, too. Those shirts should be in by Thursday, September 15th.
Donations can be made at either Altra Credit Union location-- Troup Highway or 64 West.
You can submit cash, check or make a deposit.
Altra Credit Union said they plan to raise funds through the entire month of September.
Copyright 2011 KLTV. All rights reserved.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2012 WorldNow and KLTV, a Raycom Media Station.
