Between their regular duties and volunteering to help fight wildfires in eastern Washington, area firefighters decided to solve one more problem, locally. In about three days time, the Eastside Fire Fighters Benevolent Fund led a project to build a wood shed for the Re-in-Carnation thrift store of the Sno-Valley Senior Center.

The senior center had needed a storage area for some time, and one of the firefighters, while doing weekly blood-pressure checks at the center, saw the opportunity to help out. On Wednesday, Aug. 20, members of the group, which serves Eastside Fire & Rescue, and the Snoqualmie, Fall City and Duvall Fire Departments, gathered at the senior center to start the project, which was finished last Friday, Aug. 22.

Lumber was donated from the Issaquah Home Depot’s community impact grants program. The tools and labor came from the fire fighters, and the wood piled inside also came from the firefighters’ own supplies.

“We are excited that such a project could be put together on such short notice,” says thrift store manager Pat Beagle.

The Eastside Fire Fighters Benevolent Fund was established in 2011, to provide charitable relief to people in need, and to assist the communities served by Eastside Fire Fighters. The benevolent fund can also provide relief for fire fighters and their families in the event of a financial crisis.

“Having the opportunity to make an impact on the community we serve is a priority and a pleasure of ours,” says Benevolent Fund chairman Dave McDaniel.

Above, the shed takes shape near the Sno-Valley Senior Center. Courtesy photo