The Hillsboro Volunteer Fire Department has received a donation of $3,000 thanks to a partnership between the Aggie Foundation and Tap That bar.The donation marks the beginning of a collaboration that will continue to make charitable contributions to local community groups.

“We’re very thankful to the community. When people go above and beyond with fundraisers or donations to the fire department, it benefits us of course, but ultimately it benefits the whole town,” said Scott Olsen, a volunteer firefighter who has been with the Hillsboro Volunteer Fire Department for 12 years. Between 20 and 25 community members volunteer with the Hillsboro service. The donation will allow the department to maintain and upgrade their machinery, including the acquisition of a battery-operated jaws device. Olsen attributes the recent donation to Tap That’s owner, Tony. “It was all his idea and we’re thankful for the support.”

Aggie Foundation allows their partners to pinpoint the needs that are greatest in their individual communities and determine where economic assistance would provide the greatest impact. “Hillsboro is a great community, I’ve lived here all my life. With these big-budget projects, it might go towards something I won’t see in my lifetime, but you have to start somewhere,” said Tony Klemetson, owner of the Tap That bar. 

Future projects include providing funding toward a public indoor swimming facility. “With the pool, we know it will take a lot of fundraising, but we need it. At least we can put the idea in people’s heads and keep working towards getting it done.”