SALYERSVILLE – The Magoffin County Rescue Squad is now accepting donations for the 41st Annual Media Auction, slated for May 6, 7 and 8.
Last year was the first time in over 40 years the Magoffin County Rescue Squad was unable to have the auction due to the coronavirus, despite still having to respond to rescue calls.
“When the virus hit, we still had to respond to these calls and put ourselves in harms way of contracting the virus, but we couldn’t slow down,” Magoffin County Rescue Squad Captain Carter Conley said.
For the 2020 year, they answered 307 rescue calls, providing 20,968 man hours – all volunteer – and logging 515 hours in training time.
The Magoffin County Rescue Squad is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing emergency aid and rescue to the people of Magoffin County.
“Without community support we wouldn’t be here,” Conley said. “We know with the economy and coronavirus, everyone has had a harder time, but we just hope people will do the best they can to donate to us so we can keep providing these services.”
The rescue squad auction is usually their largest fundraiser, with the funds used to pay for maintenance, insurance and supplies. Last year the annual auction had to be canceled due to COVID-19, hitting their budget hard even though their calls continued to increase.
They also receive funds from Community Day, which had to be held virtually last year, individual donations and the Magoffin County Fiscal Court.
May 6, 7 and 8, the Magoffin County Rescue Squad will be conducting the 41st Media Auction, which will be covered by Howard’s Cable Channel 15, and the local newspaper, the Salyersville Independent. On May 6 and 7, the auction will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and on May 8 it will run from 2 to 7 p.m. The Rescue Squad is dependent upon the money raised during this radio, TV and newspaper auction.
“Help us to be ready for the next call,” Conley said in his letter announcing the auction. “It may involve your employee or family member. Our reward is knowing we help during a time when our services were called upon.”
All donations of items, money or services are tax deductible as approved by the Internal Revenue Service No. 51-0151531.
Any and all donations will be appreciated, Conley said. To donate an item, contact the Magoffin County Rescue Squad at 349-5500 or by email at magoffinrescuesquad@yahoo.com. The Independent plans to run a list of the auction items starting next week.
Conley also noted that they are thankful for all donations, but monetary donations are also being accepted, joking, “Items are great, but money is better.”
Money can be sent to the Magoffin County Rescue Squad at mailing address PO Box 155, Salyersville, KY 41465.
