Our story -

 

In December 2016, a young child who was battling cancer fell ill with a high fever. A group of Oak Forest Firefighters answered the 911 call, transporting the child to the hospital for life saving treatment. 

 

The experience touched our hearts and we wanted to do more to help. So, we reached out to some of the other firefighters at the Oak Forest Fire Department and created Project Fire Buddies. 

 

Project Fire Buddies brings joy to kids struggling with serious illnesses. In our first year, we ran a Christmas toy drive, collecting presents from generous community members and purchasing some themselves, then delivering the gifts to the children’s homes. The first responders went big, showing up in shiny fire trucks, police cruisers, and ambulances with sirens blasting and lights shining. No matter what the kids were going through at the time—chemo therapy, radiation, or side effects from their medication and treatments—these visits brightened their day. The smiles were contagious.

 

Since then, Project Fire Buddies has kept expanding, sponsoring multiple children throughout the year. This year, we’re looking to sponsor many more children who could use some good cheer. Our volunteers visit with their fire buddies at home, play games, read books, bring gifts for special occasions, and show the kids just how special they are. 

 

Project Fire Buddies started with the Oak Forest Fire Department, but our ranks keep expanding with new departments set to join in the mission this upcoming year. Visit our Departments page to see if a fire or police department near you is part of the Project Fire Buddies family.

If you know of a child living in Hickory Hills or Justice who is dealing with serious illness or injury please have their family reach out, we are always looking for new families to add to our Fire Buddy Family!

 

https://www.projectfirebuddies.org/