The last year has been rough on everyone, especially emergency services that depend on volunteers and the community to keep the doors open.

To help, the Sokol Citizens Club of Nesquehoning recently presented $1,000 checks to the members of Nesquehoning Hose Company, Hauto Volunteer Fire Company and New Columbus Fire Company, as well as the borough police department.

“We as a club like to give back to organizations, and we know that the fire companies and the police with the COVID-19 pandemic really didn’t have enough time to do fundraising, so we thought we would give back for all they do,” said Anthony DeMarco, president of the Sokol Citizens Club. “It’s the least we can do.”

Representatives of the four borough emergency service organizations were also very thankful.

“We appreciate the donation,” said Nesquehoning Police officer Richard Neikam. “We’re out here trying to make everything work for the community.”

“It means a lot,” said Jim Nardozzi, New Columbus Fire Company fire chief.

New Columbus volunteer firefighter Donald Schlier said “everything helps,” adding that the fire companies are always looking for more volunteers, whether it is for firefighting or people to help organize and run fundraisers for the departments.