First Posted: 10/21/2014
For all the work they do without pay, Country Alliance Church gives the Newton Township Volunteer Fire Department an appreciation dinner every year.
On Oct. 14, firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), their friends and family members came to Country Alliance Church to enjoy a meal of spaghetti and meatballs, bread, salad, and dessert prepared by members of the church.
“We look forward to doing it every year,” said Joyce Degilio, member of Country Alliance. “We’ve become good friends with the firemen. It’s like we’ve become a family.”
“It’s good to give back to the community,” assistant pastor Rob Lopez said about his first appreciation dinner as a member of Country Alliance Church. “It’s good to see most of the fire department come out and invest in the lives of others. Bless them in Jesus’ name.”
Pastor Don Morgantini talked to the volunteers in his prayer dedication about how they make their lives count for something by volunteering.
“We salute you and recognize you tonight,” he said.
The volunteers are always grateful for the dinner, which the church members make for them. It also gives the volunteers and church members to talk with each other.
The appreciation dinner has been going on for 12 years now.
“Country Alliance Church does the dinner every year, and it’s very much appreciated,” said Francine Fawcett, president of the Newton Township Volunteer Fire Department.