Last night I visited with the Old Fort Fire Department during their Carolina Children’s Charity’s Appreciation Dinner. As a part of the event, several children who have been helped by the Charity came to the dinner with their families. They were there to thank and to meet some of the firefighters who had worked so hard to collect money back during the Annual Boot Drive.
Many of our younger firefighters are not familiar with the history of the charity and what it does for the children in our community. Way back in the 60’s, Lowcountry firefighters supported another charity and raised money just as they do now. After several years, it was discovered that much of the money being raised was being sent out of state to support that charity on a national level. The Lowcountry Fire Service decided to come together, with many other good folks in the community, to form a new charity to continue to help our children but to be sure the money raised would be kept here to benefit our Lowcountry children in need. Hence, the Carolina Children’s Charity came to life. Since its’ inception, the CCC has helped hundreds of children with a wide range of birth defects and health issues. The Charity awards grants to children each month through an application and approval process. Diabetic supplies, medicine, prescription formulas, therapeutic horseback riding, wheel chairs ramps, music therapy, cranial helmets, speech therapy, and chair lifts are just a few things paid for by the Charity.
At the meeting last night, I met little Ainsley, a child who is being helped by the Charity. Ainsley has Alexander’s’ disease, a rare and progressive neurological disorder that usually has a life expectancy of no more than ten years. Ainsley was bright-eyed and really perked up with the sound of the firehouse radio. I must say that it was love at first sight. I hope all of my firefighter friends out there have the opportunity to meet Ainsley so you can experience the joy first hand. To each of you I say, the next time you participate in the boot drive, run in the annual 5K race, play in a corn hole tournament or take part in any of the other activities of the Carolina Children’s Charity, think of Ainsley and know that you are ABSOLUTELY helping our children enjoy a better quality of life.
Many demands are being placed on our firefighters these days. Training, emergency responses, public education events, and time in general is being divided with demands coming from all directions but, please remember, this is OUR charity and it deserves OUR continued support. I thank you and Ainsley thanks you!
Gerald