On June 22, a fire on Hawthorn Road destroyed a family’s home and damaged other neighboring structures. First responders braved the heat to ensure no injuries and the fire did not spread.

It was the latest reminder of the importance of their work and how each of them put their lives on the line for the safety of others.

Back at the start of the 2023-2024 school year, Salisbury High School’s Family and Consumer Science teacher Holly Borthwick invited The Press to meet with her sewing club students about the teddy bear project.

Students in the club cut patterns in the shape of teddy bears and sewed them together using different material. These teddy bears have become a symbol of both hope and awareness to those in Salisbury in need of comfort and support.

The fun and colorful ones are donated to the township’s first responders.

Through this school club, Borthwick reminds students of the importance of giving back to those in need and those who help them.

Recently, the students gave their teddy bears to Salisbury Township Police School Resource Officer Richard Nothstein, who accepted the gift on behalf of Salisbury’s first responders.

Every single Salisbury firefighter is a volunteer, relying on donations to cover costs. You can reach out to either Eastern Salisbury Fire Department at 610-797-5227 or Western Salisbury Volunteer Fire Company at 610-437-6600, if you would like to help.

Salisbury Township Police Department is holding its National Night Out 6-8 p.m. Aug. 6 at Salisbury Elementary School. If you would like to donate a gift basket for the raffle, reach out to Cpl. Kevin Kress at 610-797-1447.