BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — With Fourth of July celebrations just days away and fireworks sales now underway, local nonprofit groups in Bakersfield are counting on holiday shoppers to help fund programs that last far beyond the holiday.

For many local nonprofits, the Fourth of July is one of their biggest fundraising events of the year.

At a fireworks booth near the intersection of Auburn and Oswell Street, Monica Deaton with the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps’ O’Callahan Division said the fundraiser helps keep the program affordable.

“Just support our youth. I mean, come out and support our youth,” Deaton said.

“So our monies help our cadets by helping lower their membership dues,” she said.

The program serves kids and teenagers, helping them build leadership skills through training, community service and other activities. This year, the group has partnered with the Sons of the American Legion, meaning one purchase helps support two organizations.

“The nice thing about working with both organizations together is that it allows us to come together as a community and show how much we all care together,” said Kory Burdette with the Sons of the American Legion.

Burdette said the money raised helps provide food and other support to veterans and their families across Kern County.

Across town, at the corner of Stockdale Highway and Allen Road, Youth Tomorrow Bakersfield is also relying on fireworks sales to support its work.

“This helps us buy a lot of the supplies and provide the scholarships that we provide for everybody,” said Mike Ross, director of Youth for Tomorrow.

Ross said the organization works with about 150 local high school students, helping them explore the arts, learn trade skills and prepare for careers after graduation.

While each fireworks booth has a different mission, the groups share the same goal: turning a few days of fireworks sales into year-round support for the people they serve.

“It’s always great to see kids move on to that next step,” Ross said.

Both booths said they will be open through the Fourth of July, selling fireworks daily until 10 p.m., or until supplies run out.