The Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad is conducting its annual fundraising drive, and is asking neighbors to continue helping neighbors by making a tax-deductible donation during the campaign.
Founded in 1962, the First Aid Squad serves as the primary Emergency Medical Services agency for the City of Summit, operating three fully-equipped ambulances, a first response truck, special operations trailer and one of the first EMS bike teams in New Jersey. Each year and on a 24-hour basis, the First Aid Squad responds to more than 2200 medical 9-1-1 calls from Summit residents and members of the business community, provides stand-by coverage at community events and non-emergency medical transport.
“The Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad provides an essential service and is truly dedicated to protecting and serving the citizens of Summit,” explains Mayor Radest. “Just as area residents and businesses depend on the First Aid Squad to be there when they call 9-1-1, the Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad depends on generous donations from the community to survive. I am asking you to please help support this vital organization.”
The First Aid Squad is considered a leader among Emergency Medical Service providers in the region and aids as the back-up response unit for many nearby towns throughout Union, Morris and Essex Counties. In 2016, the Squad responded to 242 mutual aid calls in 8 surrounding towns.
Radest continues: “Organizations such as the EMS Council of NJ and Overlook Hospital consistently recognize the Squad and its dedicated volunteers for the professionalism, expertise and skill they bring to each call.”
Staffed entirely by volunteers, the First Aid Squad has 65 adult members and 20 junior cadets. Its operations are funded solely through private contributions, saving the City of Summit more than two million dollars annually.
“Each year, your tax-deductible donation goes directly to purchase medical supplies, equipment and help off-set the cost of keeping members trained to professional standards,” reports First Aid Squad President Mike D’Ecclessis. “Our annual fundraising appeal letter was recently mailed to all homes and businesses in Summit. Please consider making a donation; no contribution is considered too small.”
The First Aid Squad does not receive any support through tax dollars or from any government agency. Its operations are funded entirely through private donations from members of the residential and business community. The Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible.
The annual fundraising campaign is administered by First Aid Squad volunteers without the use any outside marketing agencies or professional fundraisers. 100% of all donations directly benefit the First Aid Squad and the people it serves.
To learn more about the Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad, membership opportunities or to make a donation online, go to summitems.org or call 908-277-9479. Donations can also be mailed to: P.O. Box 234, Summit, NJ 07901. Please make checks payable to Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad.
