Donate Supplies to First Responders
 
By Newsdesk
March 22, 2020
 

BERWYN, PA - In just two weeks time, our world has flipped upside down. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a difficult transition for all of us as we work to keep each other and our families safe, learn how to practice social distancing, and quarantine ourselves at home except for essential trips.

As our volunteers and career staff work to protect you and your loved ones during these unprecedented times, we want you to know that our first responders are taking every precaution to protect themselves so that we may continue to assist anyone who may need help when calling 911.

We have split up our personnel between our two stations, at 23 Bridge Avenue – Easttown Twp. and at 1100 West Valley Rd. – Tredyffrin Twp., so that if an issue were to arise where we may need a crew to quarantine or decontaminate equipment, we will still have additional crew members and emergency vehicles available to respond to calls.

As your local fire company and emergency services provider, we want to remind you that despite what may be happening outside, our teams are here for you 24/7/365!

Our leadership team at Berwyn is in frequent communication with our Fire/EMS mutual aid partners and we are realizing that supplies are limited between all of us. We are working diligently with emergency management officials at the local and county level, but we also need help from our neighbors in the community.

We wish you and your family the best during these exceptional circumstances. As always, we appreciate all donations so that we may continue to serve the Tredyffin-Easttown communities!

How You Can Help

This coming Tuesday, March 24th from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m., the Berwyn Fire Company, Paoli Fire Company and Radnor Fire Company is hosting a drop-off collection drive for supplies at Tredyffrin-Easttown Middle School located at 801 Conestoga Road in the Berwyn section of Tredyffrin Township, Chester County. Any surplus of donated supplies or food will be distributed to additional local first responders and law enforcement. Please see the event flyer for futher details.

FAQ

Q: Can I still come even though PA Gov. Tom Wolf has ordered residents of several PA counties to stay-at-home beginning at 8PM on Monday 3/23?
A: We are asking those that are healthy and able to drop off any of the requested items during the 3-5PM timeframe, that they return home to continue following the requested social distancing procedures. While there is no travel ban in place with this new order, we encourage residents to limit their trips to the grocery store, pharmacy or gas stations to only be as needed - essential trips only! If you are sick or do not feel well, please stay home. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to send us a Facebook message.

Q: Why are you hosting this collection drive?
A: The challenges we are running into are back orders of medical supplies and extended timelines for items being delivered. This is unavoidable given that the entire country is dealing with this crisis. We hope that individuals or businesses who have some of the items that we're looking for may be willing to donate to our first responders.

Q: What kind of food or snacks can I donate?
A: Please see the event description for suggested items to donate. Also below is our event poster with the same information.

Q: Do I need to get out of my car?
A: No. We prefer that you do not get out of your car. The donation drop-off is designed as a DRIVE-THRU utilizing the bus loop at the front of T-E Middle School. Those donating are asked to enter off of Conestoga Rd. and then exit out to Howellville Rd. If desired, you can pop the trunk and we will grab the items.

Q: How can I maintain social distancing during my visit?
A: Our teams will be wearing PPE (personal protective equipment) including safety glasses, surgical masks, and gloves and will ensure to keep ourselves and you safe with the appropriate distance between each other.

Q: Can I donate a pot of chili or baked goods including brownies or cookies?
A: No. Due to the safety of our volunteers and career staff during this pandemic, we cannot accept any homemade food. All food and snacks must be factory sealed and wrapped. If you are a restaurant or business owner that already follows Pennsylvania Department of Health regulations for food preparation, and are interested in donating food, please call your local fire/EMS organization to coordinate with them individually.

Q: How will you make sure that the items I donate will not be contaminated?
A: Our volunteers will inspect all donated goods to ensure they are sealed. All items will be wiped down and follow a designated cleaning process. Items will be sorted and distributed in an organized and safe method.

Q: Can I donate money as I am unable to leave my house?
A: Yes, of course. We will always accept monetary donations. Please know that this time of year, the Berwyn, Radnor and Paoli fire companies have their annual fire fund drives arriving in mailboxes. Obviously, the timing isn’t great with the current situation we are all facing. All donations to support your local fire/EMS organization are greatly appreciated. Each of the three participating fire companies has a PayPal account to accept online donations.

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The Berwyn Fire Company is a registered 501c3 non-profit combination organization that provides primary fire, EMS, and rescue services to Tredyffrin Township and Easttown Township in Chester County, Pennsylvania. To learn more about the Company visit www.BerwynFireCo.org.

 

Kay Raftery March 22, 2020 at 4:59 PM
Can I send a check


Maryann Gerben March 22, 2020 at 5:57 PM
We just placed an order with Paoli acme for some of the supplies you requested but we cannot pick up merchandise till Friday 3-27. Can we drop it off at the fire station on Friday?


Dolores Narcisi March 22, 2020 at 6:06 PM
Thank you for this email and thank you for all you do. Would you like gift cards from the Acme?


Berwyn Fire Company March 22, 2020 at 10:21 PM
Thank you for posting Kay! Berwyn, Paoli and Radnor fire companies hold their annual fire fund drives at this time of year. Obviously the timing isn't great given the current state of affairs. You can send a check or submit a donation online via PayPal to whichever fire company serves your home and/or business. Your support means a lot!


Berwyn Fire Company March 22, 2020 at 10:25 PM
Thank you for posting Dolores! Acme gifts cards are welcome since we have (2) locations in close proximity to Radnor, Berwyn and Paoli fire companies. You can drop these off on Tuesday or you can mail it to whichever fire company serves your home and/or business. Your support means a lot!


Berwyn Fire Company March 22, 2020 at 10:26 PM
Thank you for posting Maryann! Please email us at donations@berwynfireco.org to coordinate a time for drop off on Friday. Your support means a lot!


Cindy McCallum March 23, 2020 at 9:18 AM
Can you use Lysol All Purpose Cleaner Spray? I just bought 2 bottles


Berwyn Fire Company March 23, 2020 at 10:13 PM
Thank you for posting Cindy! Yes that would be great. Your support means a lot!


Stephanie Thibault March 24, 2020 at 8:07 AM
Does boxed mac and cheese work? Thank you!


Mary Ernst March 24, 2020 at 4:04 PM
Can you use use cans of Canada Dry Ginderaile?


Sandi Schultz March 24, 2020 at 4:25 PM
Is it only March 24 from 3-5 pm for your drop-off donations or will you be posting additional dates. I'm putting a list together of all local hospitals, fire companies, first responders, etc., who are asking for donations. Many thanks and God Bless!


Bill April 01, 2020 at 1:44 PM
This website cannot accept DONATIONS if you are using Internet Explorer 11. latest version. I tried and tried, but finally went through Microsoft Edge, which worked the first time. This may be a PayPal issue, but when I run into this on other sites, it is typically the webmaster/designer that dropped IE support, even though the vast majority of Windows users still utilize IE. So, if you want to donate online, you might try Microsoft Edge or, if you're Google inclined, try Chrome.


Laura April 04, 2020 at 9:14 PM
I just found two brand new N95 masks today in my toolbox, how can I donate them?


Berwyn Fire Company April 08, 2020 at 12:23 PM
Thank you for posting Stephanie! We are happy to schedule a pick-up time at your home or business if that is more convenient for you. You can also drop off items in a box or bag at our 23 Bridge Avenue station doorway located under the 'Founded 1894' signage. Your support means a lot!


Berwyn Fire Company April 08, 2020 at 12:23 PM
Thank you for posting Mary! We are happy to schedule a pick-up time at your home or business if that is more convenient for you. You can also drop off items in a box or bag at our 23 Bridge Avenue station doorway located under the 'Founded 1894' signage. Your support means a lot!


Berwyn Fire Company April 08, 2020 at 12:25 PM
Thank you for posting Sandi! We are happy to schedule a pick-up time at your home or business if that is more convenient for you. You can also drop off items in a box or bag at our 23 Bridge Avenue station doorway located under the 'Founded 1894' signage. As of now we don't have another drive-thru event scheduled, but that may change. Please follow our website and social media for updates. Your support means a lot!


Berwyn Fire Company April 08, 2020 at 12:26 PM
Thank you for letting us know Bill. We appreciate your donation!


Berwyn Fire Company April 08, 2020 at 12:26 PM
Thank you for posting Laura! We are happy to schedule a pick-up time at your home or business if that is more convenient for you. You can also drop off items in a box or bag at our 23 Bridge Avenue station doorway located under the 'Founded 1894' signage. Your support means a lot!


Cathy April 12, 2020 at 5:44 PM
Any interest in Girl Scout cookies? How can they be dropped off?


Berwyn Fire Company April 16, 2020 at 8:28 PM
Thank you for posting Cathy. That would be great! You can drop off them off in a box or bag at our 23 Bridge Avenue station doorway located under the 'Founded 1894' signage. Your support means a lot!