Willow Street United Church of Christ, also known as Willow Street Church, recently contributed $50,000 to the Willow Street Fire Company. The church's congregation voted unanimously to present the fire company with this financial gift as a tangible way to express the church members' gratitude to and love of the fire company for its faithful service to the community and surrounding area. Willow Street Fire Company is an all-volunteer fire company dedicated to providing round-the-clock emergency services by responding to 450 to 500 calls annually.

"We always tell visitors to the church that 'love lives here,' so we felt that it was appropriate to recognize the importance the fire company is to our hometown," said Peg Kostopoulos, president of the church's executive council.

Associate pastor Deb Landis added, "This gift is a mission project of our church. We knew it would show God's love for the many volunteers at the fire company as well as for our many residents and business neighbors in Willow Street."

"The fire company has provided selfless devotion to us for almost 100 years, so it was important that we expressed our deepest gratitude for their service and to share God's light in our local community," remarked Paul Jensen, Mission Task Team member.

The donation was presented to Bob Kiesil, fire company president, and Ralph Stoltzfus, fire company treasurer, by Kostopoulos at the fire company meeting on May 3. Kiesil explained, "The fire company will use this very kind donation for a loan reduction on our TAC 50. The TAC 50 is a 2021 Vengeant Blizzard on a Ford F-550 four-wheel drive chassis. This vehicle enhances our ability to reach properties in our area with steep or sharp driveways, wooded areas, and other rural terrain."

Willow Street Church provides mission support to many organizations and individuals in Lancaster County through projects such as hosting AA meetings; distributing food boxes to those in need; contributing to local charities, such as Water Street Mission, Habitat for Humanity, and Mennonite Central Committee; providing bus transportation to and from church services to those who are unable to drive themselves; sponsoring Cub Scout Pack 56; and sponsoring scholarships for children who attend the church preschool.

The church is located at 2723 Willow Street Pike, Willow Street. Worship services are held on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in the sanctuary. The Sunday service is also available via livestream at http://www.wsucc.com. For further information, contact the church office at 717-464-3462 or office@wsucc.com.