Mount Prospect firefighters donate backpacks, school supplies

Mount Prospect firefighter/paramedic Dale Steward says it’s within the nature of the fire service to give back.

So the Mount Prospect Firefighters Local 4119, in conjunction with the fire department, didn’t hesitate to answer a call from the village’s Community Connections Center to help some children in need.

Steward, the chiefs and other members on Monday dropped off 18 backpacks loaded with crayons, scissors, calculators and plenty of other grade-appropriate school supplies. The group’s contribution benefited the resource center’s annual School Supply Drive for families who are struggling financially.

“I think it’s extremely important to give back to the community we serve,” said Steward, the president of Local 4119. “It’s an extremely worthwhile program.”

The Community Connections Center, located at 1711 W. Algonquin Road in an area of the village’s south side with a high concentration of low- to moderate-income families, opened in 2009. It works to connect residents with village, social, medical and library services, as well assists with personal safety, quality education, economic self-sufficiency, jobs and cultural enrichment.

Victoria Bran, the center’s coordinator, marveled over some of the more expensive items Monday.

“This is truly a godsend for the families,” she said. “Wow, someone’s very lucky.”

Steward said the firefighters paid for the project using their benevolent fund from union dues.

“We can tell when we go on calls to the south side that many are less fortunate and don’t have the same means that you and I do,” Steward said. “Hopefully we can help be part of making daily life less stressful for them.”