Local

SJC Fire Rescue describes ‘overwhelming’ response to supply drive for Ukraine

ST JOHNS COUNTY,Fla. — Much-needed aid will soon be on the way to Ukraine, with the help of several local groups and community members.

On Thursday morning, St. Johns County firefighters loaded up hundreds of boxes and supplies—everything from used firefighting gear to personal items like toothpaste and soap.

They tell Action News Jax they want to do their part to support their fellow firefighters in Ukraine, as well as the civilians who desperately need help.

Chris Naff is a fire training engineer with St. Johns County Fire Rescue and a member of IAFF Local 3865. He said the support from the near and far was overwhelming.

“We’re always there for the community when they need us,” Naff said. “But when we need them, they really reach out to us and provide for us.”

For more than 11 days, all types of items were collected and dropped off at neighborhood fire stations -- donations coming from Ponte Vedra, Callahan, Hastings and St. Augustine to name a few.

From there, the firefighters organized everything at the IAFF Local 3865 Union Hall before the items made their way onto the trailer.

Local hospitals also donated supplies.

“Thousands and thousands of pounds of canned goods, groceries, non-perishable items, diapers,” Naff said. “We even have bunker gear that was donated to us -- old expired bunker gear that we can’t use here. But they are more than willing to use over there.”

The Rotary Club of Jacksonville has connections to get the items overseas. That’s who the firefighters are handing the items off to before the items are shipped to Ukraine.

RELATED: St. Johns County firefighters prepare to ship supplies to Ukraine after receiving donations

“We saw a need in the community for Ukraine,” Naff said. “They’re struggling down there. So what we did is we reached out to our community and asked for donations.”

An ask that exceeded their expectations.

According to the St. Johns County Professional Firefighters and Paramedics, the collection of turnout gear is part of a nationwide effort.