Tampa Fire Fighters Local 754

We would like to thank everyone who has supported our donation drives throughout the years. With the generosity of our friends, we have been able to provide the community throughout the Tampa Bay area with programs designed to educate the public about the many aspects of fire prevention and fire safety. Tampa Fire Fighters continue to support the following programs:

Camp Hopetake

Hopetake (ho-pee-toc-ee) is the Florida Seminole Indian Word for "children".

Tampa Firefighters Local 754 in conjunction with Tampa General Hospital's Burn Unit sponsors a camp especially for children that have been seriously burned. We work as staff members and financially support the camp known as Camp Hopetake . This summer camp is for previously burned children of all ages. Hopetake gives these young victims from all over the state a chance to get together for a week long adventure in Ellenton, Florida. For many of our seriously burned children, coping with the social and emotional scars associated with their injuries can be overwhelming.

Hopetake provides a safe and supportive environment for our kids to share their feelings and interact with one another in a non-threatening atmosphere. They spend the week with other seriously burned children, nurses and staff from the burn unit, and Local 754 firefighters. Their week includes a wide variety of activities including:

Swimming

Fishing

Crafts

Games

Movies

Demonstrations including Sky Diving, Tampa Fire Rescue Search Dogs, Martial Arts and more.

Bowling

Horseback Riding

Hay Rides

Additional activities

The camp is provided free of charge to all attendees. This includes transportation to and from the camp and all expenses incurred while at the camp. The camp is somewhat unique in that these special children are provided air conditioned quarters and full medical supervision by nurses from the burn unit at Tampa General Hospital and Tampa Fire-Rescue paramedics.

Play Safe Play Smart

A program for all kindergarten classrooms throughout Hillsborough County which teaches fire prevention and fire safety. This is done with the help of our teachers. Coloring books and video tapes are purchased to make the program more interactive for the young students.

Toys for Tots

Together with the Marine Corps. Reserve and members of the United States Postal Services, the Tampa Firefighters are able to help make the Toys for Tots a successful program for the children at Christmas.

Jerry's Kids

When you see us out on your street corners with our boots, we are collecting money for Jerry's Kids to help in the fight against the terrible disease of Muscular Dystrophy.

Paint your Heart Out

The Tampa Firefighters proudly participate in the Paint Your Heart Out program together with our friends in Tampa Bay. This programs helps those who are less capable of maintaining the outward appearance of their homes.

Make a Wish Foundation and Explorers Program

Thanks to your help, the Tampa Firefighters are able to assist both of these special programs.

Tampa Firefighters Local 754 also sponsors the following programs on a reoccurring basis...

	The Tampa Firefighters Museum.
	Take a Child to Work Day, Local 754 provided kids with over 130 lunches this year.
	Smoke Detector program which provides hundreds of free life saving smoke detectors to the public each year.
	Canteen relief truck which helps support emergency personnel during extended emergency scene operations and even provides refreshment for the general public during large outdoor public education and open house events.

Other programs that Local 754 has sponsored in the past...

Learn to Swim Program and Special Olympics

As you know, living in Florida, there are many accidental deaths caused each year due to drowning. With your donations, the Tampa Firefighters are proud to present the Tampa Recreational Department with kick-boards and other swimming equipment which is used to teach children to swim. Not only does this provide recreation but teaches a potential life preservation skill as well.