Arizona Fire Fighters Give Helping Hand to Area Disabled

August 31, 2009 – Due to severe state funding cuts, Mesa, Arizona’s Marc Center was in danger of having to discontinue many of the services it provides to the developmentally disabled.

But thanks to Mesa Local 2260, the Marc Center has the resources to provide services to help developmentally disabled individuals learn new skills and become more independent. “Mesa fire fighter Steve Schureman, who runs our East Valley Firefighters Charities, did a great job coordinating this project,” says Bryan Jeffries, president of Local 2260.

Schureman and others involved in the East Valley Firefighters Charities donated items for the center to use for its onsite programs, including Nintento Wii Systems with games and fitness packages. The charity also provided 46-inch flat-screen televisions.

In addition, fire fighters sponsored an August 22 outing for 40 clients to attend a picnic hosted by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Attendees visited Chase Field to see the Diamondbacks play an away game on the stadium’s giant video screens.

The Marc Center helps area developmentally disabled receive employment and become more independent members of society.