The Nelson Community Wellness Alliance has been collecting cards and raising funds to create special gift baskets to give to first responders in both Nelson and Amherst counties on Feb. 15 as part of First Responders Appreciation Day.
Feb. 15 provides the community with a specific day to show first responders, such as firefighters, police officers, paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMT), how much the residents they serve appreciate their work.
The Blue Ridge Medical Center started First Responders Appreciation Day in 2017 and this year, the Nelson Community Wellness Alliance is spearheading the effort
“We wanted to find a way to say thank you for the long hours, hard work, and dangerous situation they have to deal with,” Brittani Gowen, spokesperson for Blue Ridge Medical Center, said.
In Nelson and Amherst counties, first responders, both volunteer and paid, respond to medical issues, fires, vehicle accidents and other calls.