Emergency services are always in need of donations like bottled water and prepackaged snacks to maintain stamina and health, but conditions create more dire need of those supplies, sometimes. Droughts and wildfires present such conditions for fire departments.
Bristow Fire Chief Charles Conkling noted that the fire department has activated in the last few weeks to fight around 30 grass fires. The demands of their work, especially during recent weeks, have increased the department's need and usage of supplies. In fact, Bristow Fire Department, BFD, recently posted on social media, highlighting their needs and thanking the community and donors for their support.
Specific supplies requested by BFD include hygiene and food as well as some miscellaneous items. Hygiene items desired include Refresh lubricant eye drops, sunscreen, Blistex medicated lip balm, unscented baby wipes, all sizes of Ziplock bags, toilet paper, paper towels, and facial tissue.
Regarding foods and beverages, BFD could use bottled water, Gatorade or Powerade, single serve Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Electrolyte Powder packets, granola or energy bars, peanut butter or cheese-filled cracker packs, beef jerky, and single serve and prepackaged snacks such as baked cheese crackers, nuts, beef sticks, or trail mix.
Miscellaneous items on their need list include disposable paper goods and eating utensils, leather gloves in all sizes, cat litter or other loose absorbent such as Floor-Dry, heavy-duty, square point shovels, and medium or large ice chests. For those preferring to donate monetarily, money may be dropped off daily between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Bristow Fire Station at 115 East 6th Avenue. Goods donations may be dropped off as well, or donors may call BFD at 918-956-0911 to arrange a donation for a specific time.
Finally, Chief Conkling conveyed the department's gratitude for the community's caring, support, and generosity, saying 'We appreciate each donation and stand proudly together with you as we serve. We're so grateful. Thank you.'