A new version of the bucket brigade has come to the aid of the Glynn County and Brunswick fire departments. Formed by the Firehouse Subs restaurant chain, this bucket brigade has generated nearly $20,000 to outfit the two departments with much needed equipment.
The money raised through the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has covered the $18,150 cost of 10 new firefighting suits for the Glynn County Fire Department and $1,300 for a new automated external defibrillator for the Brunswick Fire Department.
The new equipment will be presented to the departments during a ceremony at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the local Firehouse Subs in the Glynn Isles Shopping Plaza in Brunswick. The public is invited.
"It's a great feeling to be a part of a program like this," said Eddie Wells, owner of the local Firehouse Subs. "With city and county budgets so tight we know the needs are there. It's nice to be able to contribute something so worthwhile to the entire community."
Buckets are the chief source of raising money for the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. Pickle buckets to be exact. Pickles served to customers arrive the restaurants in 5-gallon buckets. Employees clean the empties and resell them to customers and the public for $2 each. A company specializing in sandwiches goes through a lot of pickles -- nearly 10 buckets a week at the local Firehouse Subs alone.
"We can't keep up with the demand," said Wells, whose restaurant has been donating items to local fire departments for eight years. "As soon as we put the buckets out there, they're gone. People use them for tomato plants, to hold softballs, fishing gear ... you name it."
The program also raises money by allowing customers to round their purchases up to the next dollar, with difference going to the foundation. Additionally there is a tip jar for the foundation at the cash register at each restaurant.