The Aquashicola Fire Co. joined forces with Papa Al’s Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria in Palmerton last month to raise money to help subsidize the cost of its new tanker.

A Dine and Donate, along with a basket raffle, was held on Sept. 26 at Papa Al’s, where the community was invited to come out and either dine in or take out.

For every meal that was purchased, Papa Al’s donated a portion of the proceeds back to the fire company.

Sam Alvarado, manager of Papa Al’s, said the business was glad to help out the fire company.

“It’s very important to do things like this,” Alvarado said. “We’re very appreciative of what they do for our community.”

Alvarado said the fire company is always there for the community, a trait her business attempts to emulate.

“We’re really big on giving back,” she said. “They’re definitely great people.”

Alvarado said she preferred to keep the amount that was raised anonymous.

Chris Jahelka, treasurer of the fire company, said it was more than they could have anticipated.

“People came out, had a good time,” Jahelka said. “It was far beyond what we imagined we would ever get.”

Along with Papa Al’s, the fire department thanked the Covered Bridge Inn in Little Gap for hosting a similar Dine and Donate event that was sold out.

Jahelka said that the fire department recently purchased a new tanker (water truck), which came with some extra fees and things it needs to add on to help outfit the truck properly.

He said the fire department is always looking for volunteers, and that anyone interested may stop at the fire company on Monday nights and meet with them.

For more information, email afd1@ptd.net, or follow them on their Facebook page.