The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has teamed up again with Nutella for the second year of the “Stacks for Giving Back” initiative.
This initiative intends to recognize and support volunteer firefighters who keep communities safe. As part of the program $25,000 in fire department grants are being awarded to five volunteer fire departments.
To be eligible to apply for a grant, departments had to be over 50% volunteer, serve a population of 25,000 or less, be located in the US, and the individual applying or department chief had to be a member of the NVFC.
In addition to these monetary grants, members of the public could nominate their local fire department to receive a pancake breakfast kit from Nutella to help them host their next fundraising event.
150 departments were selected to receive a kit, which included the supplies and ingredients to hold a pancake breakfast fundraiser in their community.
The campaign also included a special fundraising effort at the Nutella Café in Chicago, with proceeds benefiting the NVFC’s Volunteer Firefighter Support Fund.
NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch shared: “Nutella’s Stacks for Giving Back program has been a powerful force for good in the fire service.
“This initiative directly supports the men and women who give their time and energy to protect their neighbors. By enhancing safety, readiness, and overall effectiveness, these grants make a meaningful and lasting difference for volunteer departments operating with limited resources.”
The five volunteer fire departments that were selected to receive a $5,000 grant through the Nutella Stacks for Giving Back program are: Cleveland (AL) Fire Department; Landis Volunteer Fire Department (Marshall, AR); Sylvarena Volunteer Fire Department (Raleigh, MS); Rutland (OH) Fire Department; and Chili (WI) Fremont Fire and Rescue.
With 15 volunteers covering a 12-square-mile area, Cleveland (AL) Fire Department responds to roughly 700 calls each year. The department’s limited funding comes primarily from donations and monthly water bill contributions.
With the $5,000 grant, they will replace aging hoses that frequently fail testing, add vital tools like extrication saws and purchase hydrant bags and wrenches. Assistant Chief David Hackworth said the new equipment will “significantly enhance our operations and firefighter safety during fireground and crash responses.”
Serving a rural community of 600 across 300 square miles, Landis Volunteer Fire Department (Marshall, AR) responds mostly to medical calls, often involving residents aged 50 and older. The department’s aging SCBA regulators have raised safety concerns. With the grant, the department will purchase four new regulators to better protect their 19 volunteers.
Treasurer Lucinda Rolen noted: “Confidence in working equipment gives our firefighters peace of mind when entering dangerous situations. This grant brings us one step closer to ensuring everyone goes home safely.”
Sylvarena Volunteer Fire Department covers 201 square miles of Mississippi farmland, oil wells, natural gas substations and poultry farms. With only $5,500 in annual revenue, the department has struggled to afford basic tools.
The $5,000 grant will fund lighting and cutting equipment and two foam units used for vehicle and equipment fires.
Chief Byran Walter spoke of the importance of the grant: “Every minute counts in an emergency. This equipment will help us respond more effectively and keep our members safer on scene.”
Operating out of a small village in southeast Ohio, Rutland Fire Department responds to structure fires, motor vehicle accidents, brush fires and water rescues across 42 square miles. The 32-member all-volunteer department is a key mutual aid provider for neighboring areas.
The grant will be used to purchase battery-powered lighting, chargers and overhaul tools. Assistant Chief Danny Davis explained: “Lighting is a critical need for us, especially during water rescues and MVAs. This equipment will greatly enhance responder safety and speed of operations.”
Chili Fremont Fire and Rescue serves a population of just over 1,300 in rural Wisconsin. With a flat $22,500 annual budget that hasn’t increased in over a decade, the department relies heavily on volunteers and fundraising.
The grant will fund modern vehicle stabilization tools like struts and quick-deploy cribbing blocks. Captain Alex Lendved shared: “These tools are designed for fast, safe operation by a small crew. They will greatly improve our ability to manage rescue scenes, especially when help is limited and time is critical.”
The National Volunteer Fire Council has teamed up again with Nutella for the second year of the “Stacks for Giving Back” initiative.
