Project Fire Buddies

Project Fire Buddies is a local non for profit comprised of Firefighters who bring joy to kids struggling with serious illnesses. In our first year, we ran a Christmas toy drive, collecting presents from generous community members and purchasing some themselves, then delivering the gifts to the children’s homes. The first responders went big, showing up in shiny fire trucks, police cruisers, and ambulances with sirens blasting and lights shining. No matter what the kids were going through at the time—chemo therapy, radiation, or side effects from their medication and treatments—these visits brightened their day. The smiles were contagious. Since then, Project Fire Buddies has kept expanding, sponsoring multiple children throughout the year. This year, we’re looking to sponsor many more children who could use some good cheer. Our volunteers visit with their fire buddies at home, play games, read books, bring gifts for special occasions, and show the kids just how special they are. Project Fire Buddies started with the Oak Forest Fire Department, but our ranks keep expanding with new departments set to join in the mission this upcoming year. To learn more about the mission of Project Fire Buddies, please follow us on social media or visit our website here.