FLAG for Cranford Makes a $6440 Donation to Cranford Fire Department for Life Saving Equipment

CRANFORD, NJ - At the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, FLAG (Front Line Appreciation Group) for Cranford popped up in town with a simple mission to show gratitude to frontline workers while supporting local restaurants during an unprecedented time. The initial financial goal was a modest one, with co-founders Caren Demyen and Rebecca Tantillo expecting to raise $5000. What Demyen and Tantillo did not expect was that FLAG would become a beacon of light in an otherwise dark time. The organization found a way to bring the community together when togetherness was being severely challenged.

FLAG raised over $100,000 in just two months and went on to receive two NJEDA grants totaling $250,000. Every dollar went back into the community through meals purchased from Cranford restaurants. “The first couple years of FLAG we were incredibly busy,” said Demyen. “We were thrilled to receive two state grants, but we had to follow strict guidelines on how we spent the money while also adhering to the state’s tight deadline on when the money needed to be spent by.” FLAG worked diligently to keep the records needed to submit to NJEDA for reimbursement. It was a long process and Demyen credits the organization’s treasurers Maggie Feeney and Ellen Springer with keeping it all organized and compliant.

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After spending all the grant money as required by the state, FLAG for Cranford officially became a nonprofit in March 2023 with the sole mission of supporting Cranford businesses, residents and community. Much of the work that is now done is done privately because of the sensitive nature. Gift cards to local businesses are delivered to individuals or families going through difficult times. FLAG also continues to support community frontline workers whenever possible.

Last year, FLAG received a generous donation from the Lord Stirling School in Basking Ridge through a board member and Cranford resident, Michael Hecht. The school had closed its doors and after all the financial responsibilities were reconciled, the state of NJ mandated that any remaining funds be donated to “a worthwhile non-profit,” Hecht chose FLAG. It was through this donation that FLAG was able to reach out to Cranford Fire and ask if they had any specific needs they could assist with.

“One of the highlights for us last year was donating $6440 to the Cranford Fire Department to purchase 10 Seek Fire Pro Personal Thermal Imagining cameras, a charging station and clips to attach each camera to firefighting gear,” said Springer.  Chief Daniel Czeh was equally elated to receive the generous donation. “These cameras will no doubt assist our firefighters during all phases of fire. Whether performing search and rescue operations, locating fire under extreme smoke conditions or finding their way out of a fire if they become lost or disoriented,” said Czeh to TAPinto Cranford. “FLAG found a way to help keep our firefighters safe under the extremely dangerous conditions of fire, and we are incredibly grateful.”

The organization is now made up of 9 board members who make decisions on how funds are raised and spent. The members are: Demyen, Tantillo, Feeney, Springer, Barbara Zeckman, Sharon Steele, Rob Chamra, Laura Holcomb, and Jim Demyen.

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FLAG for Cranford continues to raise funds to positively impact the community and is appreciative of the donations they receive from residents and organizations. Their holiday ornament fundraiser in December is still successful, and they have plans to roll out at least one more fundraiser this year which will be spearheaded by Zeckman.

“Supporting the community we love and keeping the heart of FLAG beating is important to us,” said Demyen.  “We are eternally grateful for all the love and support we have received since its inception, and we just want to continue to pour it all right back into Cranford.”

To make a donation or contact FLAG, please email flagforcranford@gmail.com.

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