“We’re here representing the fire company to provide fire protection for the township; but, we need some help. We cannot afford to continue the way we are.”

There were the words of Robert Jennings, president of New England Fire Company in Walker Township, who painted a relatively bleak picture of the financial situation with the company as he addressed the Walker Township Supervisors at their monthly meeting on Thursday.

“We are currently looking for some help from the township,” Jennings said. “We have our fundraisers where about only 20% of the township comes to help us out. We are grateful for what you, the township, give us. For firemen gear, you give us $4,000 per year; but, a set of fire gear is over $7,000. If we did not have the fundraisers we have, last year we would have been in the hole over $15,000.”

The township gives approximately $30,000 annually to the fire company, plus some additional funds. But expenses are getting higher.

“We’re trying the best that we can to provide the coverage that is needed,” Jennings said. “But, it’s the same group of guys that are doing the work, and the expenses are not getting any cheaper.”

Supervisor Craig Wagner said they would try to see if they can get additional funds from grants. The fire company gets one grant right now for $13,000 per year, but that goes right back into purchasing things like rope or other supplies.

Some upcoming fundraisers for the New England Fire Company:

• Friday, March 29, the fire company will host an Easter Egg Hunt for children beginning at 10 a.m. at the fire hall.

• Also on March 29, a Seafood Combo Dinner. Eat in or take out, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again from 4-7 p.m. A $20 ticket gets you a haddock fillet, shrimp, a crabcake, potato, vegetable, and a drink. You can add a lobster tail for an additional $35. Clam chowder will also be sold at $5 per pint or $10 per quart.

• Also on March 29, a filling sale, $9/container.

• April 12, The Majestics will perform at the fire hall. Doors open 6 p.m., music from 7 to 10 p.m. . Tickets are $10 per person. . The kitchen will be open, there will be a cash bar.

• The fire company will host cornhole tournaments on April 12 and on May 4.

Call or text Charlie for information or to place orders for any of these events, at 570-640-6009.