ABINGDON, Ill. — Ashley Anderson is the owner of Garden Gate Florist and Gifts in Abingdon, IL. She works alongside Shauna Brubaker who has been volunteering as a first responder for nearly two years.
"I carry my pager with me and when it goes off, it's go time" Brubaker said. "I'm glad that Ashley understands the importance of helping the community and encourages me take calls even when I'm on my shift."
Anderson says she has learned a lot about first responders through Brubaker. Through her, she learned that the team is short-staffed. Chief of First Responders Rod Williams says it's a daily challenge for the station.
"Throughout the day, we are limited to the people we have due to them having to work around town and some even have to be out of town," Chief Williams said.
With this in mind, Anderson was determined to find a solution. She learned that earlier in the year, the group held a fundraiser to raise money to buy a LUCAS device. It's a chest-compressing device that helps perform CPR. The fundraiser did not raise enough money to purchase one, so she was encouraged to help.
"It was important for us to give back to help the community and help save lives," Anderson said.
She says her original goal was to raise $1,000. With the help of the community, she was able to raise $6,200.
"It touches my heart that we have such a great community," said an emotional Anderson.
Brubaker says she was happy to see Ashley put it all together.
"I was blown away when she brought the idea of the fundraiser to my attention. I told her to do it for the community, it's something that would help us all," Brubaker said.
A check presentation will be held on Saturday at the first responders' holiday party at the Abingdon fire station.