West Pierce CARES is a local 501(c)(3) non-profit that supports those in the Lakewood, University Place and Steilacoom communities. While caring and compassion is a part of the mission, CARES stands for more:
C – Community
A – Assistance
R – Resources
E – Education
S – Support
West Pierce CARES’ history dates back prior to the merge of the Lakewood and University Place Fire Departments to create West Pierce Fire & Rescue. The Lakewood Fire Department first toyed with the idea of creating a non-profit organization to help those in the community back in 1984. In 1992, the idea came to fruition and has been active ever since. The University Place Fire Department also supported local charities and raised funds for the UP Children’s Fund, which was the recipient from the annual charity softball game at UP Festival each summer.
West Pierce CARES receives donations from the public and West Pierce Fire & Rescue employees, supporting prevention initiatives, public education and other services that cannot be financially supported with taxpayer funds. The charity supports fire and life safety activities throughout the community in various ways. For a list of programs the charity supports, please visit the Programs page. Donations within the community have included (but are not limited to) Habitat for Humanity, fire victims who have lost their homes, and custom-fit bike helmets to those in need, just to name a few. Donations to West Pierce CARES are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.