By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

Fire gear is not required to help the Verbena Fire and Rescue raise needed funds.

Fire Chief Allen Goree said the department is working toward providing the required 10 percent match of a grant it received for a truck to fight brush and grass fires.

The next fundraiser is scheduled for Aug. 5 at the fire station.

“We have a super-sized yard sale with some really super stuff that has been donated by members of the community,” Goree said.

He said two houses’ worth of things had been donated.

The firefighters are looking for volunteers to help set up and sell all of the items.

Volunteers are also needed in food prep and serving the BBQ ribs and funnel cakes the department will sell at the event. Those interested in becoming a volunteer should call Goree at 205-312-1060.

“What we are trying to do is put together a support staff,” Goree said.

A number of fundraisers will be held in the coming months to get the department to its $15,000 goal.

Festivities will start early with the yard sale opening at 6:30 a.m. and going until all the items are sold. The ribs will be ready at 11 a.m. A whole slab will be sold for $25 with plates sold for $10. Each BBQ plate will include a pound of ribs, coleslaw, baked beans and a piece of bread.

Funnel cakes will also be sold for $5.

“We give you your money’s worth. They are as big as the plate,” Goree said.

Verbena Fire and Rescue is a volunteer fire department.

“My guys and girls do this because they want to give back to the community,” Goree said.

Verbena Fire and Rescue is located at 3885 U.S. 31 in Verbena.