Support Needed for Manville Volunteer Fire Co. #3

Dear Friends and Supporters,

We are reaching out to you on behalf of Manville Volunteer Fire Co. #3, a vital part of Manville, N.J. community since 1931. Our borough is a tight-knit community covering about 2 square miles. Historically, Manville was an old factory town that housed the Johns-Manville Asbestos Corporation, which has now been replaced by Walmart. Situated between the Raritan River and the Millstone River, Manville has faced significant challenges, particularly with flooding. Unfortunately, the Army Corps of Engineers has abandoned Manville, stating that there is nothing they can do to address the ongoing flooding issues. As a result, our community has suffered from multiple major floods, building explosions, and fires during these flood events. In times of crisis, our firehouse has stepped up to support the community. During Hurricane Irene, we provided shelter for affected residents, and more recently, during Hurricane Ida, our firehouse served as FEMA’s headquarters for claims for a extended period of time. However, the financial impact on our firehouse has been devastating. Due to the Pandemic and FEMA’s use of our facilities, we have experienced a significant loss of income from hall rentals, which are essential to support the maintenance and operation of our firehouse and grounds. The sharp increase in utility costs and maintenance expenses has severely limited our ability to fund much needed improvement projects. We are reaching out to our community and beyond to request your generous support through our GoFundMe page. Your contributions will help us remain operational and enable us to undertake the following crucial projects:

Parking Lot Repair: Our parking lot has suffered extensive damage over time and requires immediate repair to ensure the safety of our firefighters and visitors.

Engine Room Flooring Replacement: The current flooring in our engine room has worn out and needs to be replaced to maintain a safe and efficient working environment.

Sign Replacement: Our firehouse sign, which serves as a symbol of our commitment to the community, has become weathered and needs replacement.

Restroom Upgrades: The restroom facilities in our firehouse are outdated and inadequate. Upgrading these facilities is necessary for the comfort and hygiene of our firefighters and visitors.

The cumulative cost of these projects is well over $50,000.00 and we are seeking your support to make them a reality. Your contribution, no matter what size, will have a significant impact on our ability to continue serving and protecting our community effectively. Please show your support and contribute to Manville Volunteer Fire Co. #3. Together, we can ensure the safety and well-being of our community for years to come. Thank you for your generosity and support.

Sincerely,

John Gluch

President-Manville Fire Co. #3