Dear Southern Illinois Illinois Neighbors:

       What would you do if you lost everything in a house fire?  The Southern Illinois Fire Relief Fund was started to help victims of house fires.  One minute these individuals are living their lives just like you and I.  The next day they have nothing to their name.  Everything they worked so hard for is gone.  In our area a lot of families have no insurance.  They literally have nothing after a fire.  We are here to help these families.  Even though we can only help a little it is about getting these families through those first few days.  Southern Illinois Fire Relief Fund is just another way neighbors can help neighbors.

      Several individuals all with deep compassion for others started SIFRF.  The board has now expanded, with a common goal to give back to the community in a time of need.  We started assisting fire victims on December 1, 2003.  We have since assisted over 450 individuals and families and are rapidly closing on 500 assisted.  Assistance is given upon recommendation of local fire chief's.  We assist in the southern 17 counties of Illinois, including Salem and Orchardville districts.

       Since its inception SIFRF has conducted various fundraising activities, including Bachelor / Bachelorette Auctions, Celebrity Auctions, Merchandise Auctions, Yard Sales, Bowling Tournaments and several raffles to name a few.  SIFRF is a 501 (c) (3) tax deductible organization.  All money raised will go toward fire victim relief.  As with any organization we do have office expenses, we keep these to a minimum by having no paid employees, we all work out of our homes.  We are always looking for help with fund raising from individuals and organizations.  If you have any fund raising ideas,  would like to help us with fund raising, or know of any organization that would be interested in helping us with fund raising, please contact any of the Board Members listed on the Board page of this site.  We are solely funded from private donations and money raised at fund raisers, we receive no govermental money.

       They say charity starts at home.  With your help our neighbors can start getting their lives back on track.  If you have any questions, please contact any Board Member listed on this site.

Thank you:

Tim Carter - President SIFRF