Oak Forest Fire Buddies Look For Donations This Holiday Season

OAK FOREST, IL — What started as a group of Oak Forest firefighters trying to bring joy to children who consistently needed ambulance trips turned into a widespread project with over 10 chapters across the south suburbs.

Project Fire Buddies was founded by Oak Forest firefighter and paramedic Kurt DeGroot after he and his coworkers decided they wanted to do more for children with serious illnesses who were always in their ambulances, particularly young cancer patients.

DeGroot said members of Project Fire Buddies pair up with children up to 17-years-old to make them feel special on their worst days. This includes delivering presents to the child's house, complete with lights and sirens, or going with them to family dinners and events. The project has drawn the attention of celebrities such as Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Jack Black.

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Chicago Bulls player Zack Levine even teamed up with a Fire Buddy to score tickets for an 8-year-old fan with terminal cancer. While Fire Buddies know how to make an entrance, the project's website states the program is more of a mentorship for the older Buddies.

"For teenagers, Project Fire Buddies makes sure to play it cool—avoiding the showier visits and focusing on making these older kids' dreams come true," a spokesperson said in a written statement. "Whether that's finding tickets to their favorite team's big game or pitching in for high quality headphones so they can relax with their favorite music."

The program has also been beneficial for fellow firefighters and paramedics, who usually respond to situations of extreme distress. DeGroot said the project has been an opportunity to be greeted with smiles.

The program hosts a regular toy drive each holiday season, but would also like to sponsor more Fire Buddies in the coming year. Interested residents, even those who are not firefighters, can apply to get involved here.