AVFD Annual Appeal Letter on Its Way to Mailboxes

AVON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL APPEAL LETTER ON ITS WAY TO MAILBOXES

Board President Shillington Addresses Concerns About Fundraiser

This week, the Avon Volunteer Fire Department (AVFD) will mail out its annual appeal letter. Recalling residents’ concerns upon their receipt of last year’s letter in their mailboxes, AVFD board of directors president Rob Shillington would like to remind the community that the letter is not a scam and that the donations made will be received by the Department.

“Again this year, we’re using a bank that requires donations sent via mail in the enclosed return envelope go to an out-of-state mailbox,” says Shillington. “Last year, the Massachusetts mailing address raised a few eyebrows and people contacted us to ask not only if we were aware of our own letter, but also to make sure we had not hired a fundraising company that would take a portion of the donations made. Then, and now, we want to assure our neighbors that we will absolutely receive the donations, and we will receive them in their entirety.”

If anyone remains leery of mailing a check to an out-of-state address, they have two additional options. They may either deliver it in person to AVFD Headquarters at Company 1 at 25 Darling Drive (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.). For those wishing to donate via credit or debit card, the AVFD’s new online donation system will be active at www.avonvfd.org in the next few days.

About the AVFD

Incorporated in 1943, the Avon Volunteer Fire Department proudly protects more than 18,000 people living in the 22.6 square mile area that makes up the Town of Avon. The Department’s mission is to provide fire suppression and prevention, life safety and rescue support, as well as other community support to the citizens of the Town of Avon. In addition, the Department provides mutual aid support to those surrounding communities that, in time of need, may request such assistance.

Staffed entirely by volunteers, the Avon Volunteer Fire Department prides itself on the selflessness and dedication of its members – firefighters, fire police, administrative members, Explorers, active veterans, senior veterans, and associate members, all of whom play a vital role in the safety of Avon. The Department operates six companies and 15 pieces of apparatus, including a brush truck, ladder truck, tanker, rescue vehicle, boat, and pumpers. Four stations are located throughout Town – Company 1 on Darling Drive, Company 2 on Secret Lake Road, Company 3 on West Avon Road, and Company 4 on Huckleberry Hill Road. Anyone interested in learning more about the AVFD should call the Avon Volunteer Fire Department (AVFD) at 677-2644, visit www.avonvfd.org, connect on Facebook at AvonVFD, or stop by the Company 1 firehouse located at 25 Darling Drive any Monday evening after 7:00.