Penn Valley, CA— 2025 was a banner year at Penn Valley Fire Auxiliary Thrift Shop, located at 10513 Spenceville Road, behind Penn Valley Fire Station 43. Over 70 volunteers clocked 11,845.25 hours of shop time sorting, cleaning, pricing and selling donated treasures to savvy shoppers. 2025 net sales shattered the previous record of $250,000 achieved in 2024.
A check in the amount of $300,000 was presented by Auxiliary President Bambi Flanigan at the January Penn Valley Fire Protection District Board Meeting on Tuesday evening. “I am honored to present the largest check in the long and remarkable history of our Auxiliary.” Flanigan said that this check represents the generosity of our community; volunteers, shoppers, those who donate lovely, gently used items to sell, and those who prefer to make cash donations. “We deeply appreciate the support of our community.”
The Penn Valley Fire Auxiliary is a 501c3 non-profit that operates the 100% volunteer staffed Penn Valley Fire Thrift Shop. Penn Valley Fire Board Chairperson Joey Jordan is one of those volunteers. “Some of our ladies have been volunteering a day or two each week for over 40 years. They deserve applause.” Jordan says it is rewarding to see that work translated into such a large check for the Fire agency.
Fire Chief Don Wagner extended his gratitude to the volunteers and community, reminding everyone that this Auxiliary is necessary and deeply appreciated. “When our new fire truck arrives in the next week or so, we will again thank our Fire Auxiliary.” Ambulances, fire engines, water tenders, command vehicles, rescue units—everything with wheels—has been paid for with funding from the Penn Valley Fire Auxiliary. “We get from one end of the district to the other in apparatus purchased by sales of 50 cent and a dollar. They really add up.”
Penn Valley Fire Protection District encompasses 92 square miles and currently provides full Advanced Life Support (ALS) staffing for three fire station, including Rough and Ready Fire Station 59.