More than $250,000 raised for victims' families

More than $250,000 in donations poured into firefighters' boots by Saturday night for families of rescue workers who were injured or died during Tuesday's terrorist attack.

Lt. Meschelle Kesteloot, of the East Fork Fire and Paramedic District, said the three-day total was $151,380.50 and donations were still coming in.

"We are just astounded and so appreciative of the community in Carson Valley and surrounding areas for all their generosity and support, " she said. "Scolaris was unbelievable."

In Carson City, firefighters added another $30,000 to the $43,000 they collected Thursday and Friday. Today, the firefighters will be serving up a free barbecue in Mills Park from noon-5 p.m.

"It's our way of giving back to the community a little of what they've given us," said firefighter Phil Hernandez.

On Friday, the Nevada Division of Forestry firefighters gathered $30,000.

All proceeds from the three drives will go toward helping firefighters' fallen comrades in New York.

"It was the most incredible thing," Kesteloot said. "We had everything from little tiny children bringing us their piggy banks, their lunch money, allowances, to the elderly on fixed incomes bringing us anything and everything. People who donated first day came back again and again. They said 'we couldn't stay away.'"

Kesteloot said they even collected a sizable donation from a woman driving through from Florida.

"There were so many businesses in the area who brought food, drinks, ice water, to keep us all going. We couldn't have done it without the community or business support that we had. Scolaris was wonderful."

A book filled with the thoughts of the contributors will accompany the donations to New York.

People wrote poems, condolences, thoughts and prayers to the families, Kesteloot said.

"We are so proud of our community," she said.

Some of the quotes in the book read:

"When disaster strikes great or small, it's great to know firefighters are on the job. God bless you," signed Don and Paula.

"Although this is a tremendous loss be sure that the spirit is never extinguished," Linda.

YOU CAN HELP

Disaster donations

Here is a list of places where you can help those affected in Tuesday's terrorist attack.

-- Payless Shoe Source will match - dollar for dollar - donations to the American Red Cross made at their stores nationwide. In Carson City the store is in the shopping center on South Carson Street near Wal-Mart.

-- Employees at Safeway on North Carson Street will be taking donations for the Red Cross at the registers.

-- Firefighters in Carson City and in Douglas County are collecting money for the New York Firefighters Relief Fund. Members of the East Fork Fire District will be at Scolaris in Gardnerville. Carson City firefighters are hosting a donation-only barbecue from noon-5 p.m. in Mills Park. Donations will be accepted for the benefit of the fallen firefighters in New York.

In Dayton, boots collecting fund for New York firefighters are at each checkout line at Smith's and will be at several locations during Dayton Valley Days.

-- A memorial parade for police and firefighting victim's of Tuesday's terrorist attack will be at noon Sunday on C Street in Virginia City. Parade entrants should assemble at Flowery Street at 11 a.m. The parade will be followed by a benefit barbecue in the parking lot of the Bucket. The event is a community-wide effort. For information, call Lorraine Du Fresne at 847-0509 or 750-9046.

For those with a need for the red, white and blue:

-- Custom Office supply is giving away free 8 1/2-by-11 laminated flags. Stop by the store at 2814 N. Carson St. to pick one up.

-- The Children's Museum of Northern Nevada is having a half-price sale on their remaining stock of flags. Stop by 813 N. Carson St.

Disaster donations

Here is a list of places where you can help those affected in Tuesday's terrorist attack.

-- Payless Shoe Source will match - dollar for dollar - donations to the American Red Cross made at their stores nationwide. In Carson City the store is in the shopping center on South Carson Street near Wal-Mart.

-- Employees at Safeway on North Carson Street will be taking donations for the Red Cross at the registers.

-- Firefighters in Carson City and in Douglas County are collecting money for the New York Firefighters Relief Fund. Members of the East Fork Fire District will be at Scolaris in Gardnerville. Carson City firefighters are hosting a donation-only barbecue from noon-5 p.m. in Mills Park. Donations will be accepted for the benefit of the fallen firefighters in New York.

In Dayton, boots collecting fund for New York firefighters are at each checkout line at Smith's and will be at several locations during Dayton Valley Days.

-- A memorial parade for police and firefighting victim's of Tuesday's terrorist attack will be at noon Sunday on C Street in Virginia City. Parade entrants should assemble at Flowery Street at 11 a.m. The parade will be followed by a benefit barbecue in the parking lot of the Bucket. The event is a community-wide effort. For information, call Lorraine Du Fresne at 847-0509 or 750-9046.

For those with a need for the red, white and blue:

-- Custom Office supply is giving away free 8 1/2-by-11 laminated flags. Stop by the store at 2814 N. Carson St. to pick one up.

-- The Children's Museum of Northern Nevada is having a half-price sale on their remaining stock of flags. Stop by 813 N. Carson St.