Homer Township Fire District Starts Project Fire Buddies Chapter

HOMER GLEN, IL — The Homer Township Fire Protection District and the Homer Township Professional Firefighters Local 4223 have started a chapter of Project Fire Buddies, a nonprofit which helps kids struggling with serious illnesses.

"It's all about the kids," Mike Collins, firefighter and chapter president, told Patch.

Project Fire Buddies helps kids struggling with serious illnesses by collecting presents, holding birthday parades, and visiting and supporting the child.

The nonprofit started in Oak Forest, when a group of firefighters transported a child battling cancer to the hospital for a life-saving treatment, according to the organization. The firefighters wanted to do more to help and created the first chapter of Project Fire Buddies in 2017.

"We're going to be like a part of their family," Collins said, adding that the entire fire district is supportive of the cause.

The Homer Township Fire Protection District's chapter is currently looking for a child who they can help. If you know someone in the community, they can reach out to the nonprofit online.

"Everyone jumped on this, because we're helping the kids," Collins said, adding that it's positive for the community overall as well.

The nonprofit is funded by donations and fundraising events from other Project Fire Buddies chapters.

In Homer Glen, a fundraiser will be held at the Creamery, 15112 S. Bell Road, on Tuesday. From 5 to 9 p.m., the business will donate a portion of sales to Project Fire Buddies.

There are several area chapters of Project Fire Buddies, including in Oak Forest, Oak Lawn, Palos, Orland Park, Midlothian, Markham, Lockport, New Lenox, Tinley Park and, now, Homer.

Collins said 10 more chapters of Project Fire Buddies will be coming soon.