May Fundraiser To Help Families Of Fallen First Responders
CHICAGO (CBS) -- They gave their lives on the job, and now you can help give back to their families. The 100 Club has kicked off a month-long fundraiser to assist the survivors of first responders who have died in the line of duty.
The 100 Club of Chicago was celebrating its 50th year, and has teamed up with Jewel-Osco to raise funds for the entire month of May.
While the granddaughters of the fallen played outside a Jewel store in Oak Lawn, the widows of Chicago Fire Capt. Herbie Johnson and Chicago Police Officer Michael Flisk spoke of their families shared sacrifice.
"It's nice to know they didn't die in vain; that there's somebody there for you, like family, to help you pick up the pieces when everything falls apart," Susan Johnson said.
Nora Flisk said police and fire departments need the public's support.
"They have families behind them, and everyone is affected when this type of tragedy happens," she said.
As part of National Police Week, the 100 Club has announced a month-long drive to raise funds to help families of the fallen.
Over the past 50 years, the 100 Club of Chicago has given more than $10 million to 260 families.
"Through the 100 Club, they know that there are literally tens of thousands of people out there whose hearts are pouring out in sympathy and appreciation for their sacrifice of what their loved one has given," said CEO Joe Ahern.
To help raise funds, the 100 Club has partnered with Jewel-Osco, which will have donation buckets in all 109 of its Chicagoland locations all month long.
"When all of you are shopping in your favorite neighborhood Jewel-Osco, I hope you'll take a moment to give to the 100 Club of Chicago, and take care of our families," Ahern said.
The group is currently paying for 21 sons and daughters of the fallen to attend college; 67 more are coming of age.
"In the case of a tragedy, it's such a benefit for us to have the 100 Club, and we would hope that people would donate to continue that benefit for all of our families, and the future families" Nora Flisk said.
All of the money raised during the month-long drive will go to charity.
