<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">For the second year in a row, the Lake Charles Fire Department raised about $18,000 for the American Red Cross during a Fill the Hat Drive.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">The campaign, scheduled for April 16-17, was shortened by inclement weather. Last year’s drive came on the heels of regional fundraising efforts in response to the shooting of state police Trooper Steven Vincent on Aug. 24.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Lake Charles District Fire Chief Chris Carroll said that since the department made the transition from dedicating the funds to the Muscular Dystrophy Association to the Red Cross, residents in the area have been supportive.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">“Anytime we go out there, the people in this community, they welcome the effort with open arms and open hearts,” Carroll said.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">“That is something we really are thankful for.”</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Locally, Red Cross does not actively raise funds alone. The nonprofits in larger states hold fundraising efforts, and the money is distributed to the smaller Red Cross locations.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">The nonprofit has lately been helping Sabine River flood victims recover. Organization officials have said 91 cents of every dollar the nonprofit spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Investing in the nonprofit is investing in the community, Carroll said. He said a donation to the Red Cross is similar to an insurance policy since floods and house fires can happen without warning.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">“You just never know when something may happen and you have to have an interaction with the Red Cross,” he said.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Craig Ryan, Red Cross disaster program specialist, said the positive relationship with the Fire Department is the foundation for the fundraiser. He said the response to the fundraiser shows the city understands the nonprofit’s importance to the area.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">“I think the public is buying into the idea that the funds could one day directly benefit them,” Ryan said. “We absolutely appreciate that.”</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">The Fire Department will also participate in the annual Firefighter Combat Challenge hosted by the Southwest Louisiana Firefighters Association in conjunction with Contraband Days. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. today and 10 a.m. Saturday.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">“The event gives people an idea of the ability and agility firefighters need for this job,” Carroll said.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">“And just like the fundraising event, this allows us to be with the citizens on a personal level. When we’re usually out there in the community, we’re trying to save lives. This competition lets us enjoy the personal aspect of it.”</span>

<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">—</span>

<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Follow J</span>ustin Phillips on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinAmPress">https://twitter.com/JustinAmPress</a>

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