Did you know that 0.38% of your Lake County property taxes go towards Search & Rescue? That's not thirty-eight percent, mind you, that's zero-point-three eight percent. While that funding is critical and greatly appreciated, it's just about enough to cover facilities, vehicle maintenance, and basic equipment. Everything else comes from donations made by our outstanding and supportive community.

Here are some examples of past purchases made possible by donations:

1. Command truck and trailer - making it possible to set up an Incident Command Center right at the search site.

2. Rescue dry suits for the Swiftwater team (did you know that LCSAR covers over 137 miles of river, including class 3 and 4 whitewater?)

3. Two utility vehicles (UTVs) capable of carrying rescuers and supplies into the backcountry where trucks can’t go.

4. A UTV mounted medivac station - a rescue litter and medic seat making it possible to extract a critically injured person from the backcountry.

5. Snowmobile trailer (you've seen this in the parades!)

6. The one and only Search & Rescue boat, which is currently in the shop for repairs after performing over 145 hours of searching and rescuing this last summer.

LCSAR is run entirely by volunteers, with no paid positions, so your donations go directly to purchasing and maintaining vital equipment for First Responders. Every bit stays right here in Lake County, keeping you and your family safe. If you live, vacation, or recreate in Lake County, Montana, you've seen firsthand the impact LCSAR has had.

Here are some of the things we’ll purchase with the donations we receive:

1. Repairs on the SAR boat so it’s ready for this summer.

2. Medical kits and AEDs for all vehicles.

4. Ropes and hardware for the High Angle Rescue team.

5. A new snowmobile (two out of four are quite old and only start when they feel like it).

6. A new boat (the current boat is over 20 years old and repairs get pricier every year).

7. Wilderness First Aid Certification training for new members.

If you’re looking for a great way to give back to your community this holiday season, please consider donating to Lake County Search & Rescue. You'll see and feel the difference you've made. Thank you for your support!