LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – A lot of non-profits count on the South Plains Fair to be part of their annual fundraising, so when you visit these booths, every dollar makes a difference.
With the South Plains Fair wrapping up this weekend, this is your last chance to help some organizations raise funds for their causes.
Thousands of people head to the South Plains Fairgrounds every year to enjoy rides, create great memories, and of course, eat some delicious fair food.
Take the Woodrow Volunteer Fire Department. Firefighter Milton Schober has seen it grow exponentially since he first volunteered 11 years ago.
“When I first got on over there, they said we only do 225-250 runs a year,” Schober said. “Okay great, i can handle that. Now, some years we’ve had over 500.”
That’s why every turkey leg sold goes a long way. The department is currently building a new fire station, a million-dollar investment into the 30-person crew. The success of their food booth at the fair speaks volumes about the community’s support.
“We’ve sold approximately 100 legs more per day than we did last year,” Schober said.
Lubbock Monterey AMBUCS is also raising money at the fair. This organization provides therapeutic Amtrykes and educational scholarships, but those costs to help others can add up.
“They give upwards of 50 Amtrykes a year,” Andy Orsa with AMBUCS said, “and also when the people outgrow them, we get them another bike.”
Both Schober and Orsa admit this roughly two-week stretch requires a lot of work and preparation.
“The logistics can be a challenge some days because we’re all volunteers and we have day jobs,” Schober said.
“It is quite a rush,” Orsa said. “It’s about 16-18 hours and then we head home.”
But not only do Schober and Orsa say the effort and dedication has been worth it, they appreciate fairgoers for helping their causes and say it will truly make a difference for years to come.
“The community support has been great, we’ve had people give a lot of donations,” Orsa said.
“It’s a blessing,” Schober said. “This is a calling for all of us and we’ve been really blessed by our community.”
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