January 2026

Dear Resident,

For more than 70 years, the Annual Country Auction has been far more than a fundraiser—it has been a cherished community tradition and a vital source of support for the New Vernon Volunteer Fire Department (i.e. Fire Company, First Aid Squad, and Auxiliary.)

After thoughtful discussion and careful consideration, the New Vernon Volunteer Fire Department has made the difficult decision to retire the Annual Country Auction in its current format. This decision was not made lightly, and it reflects our responsibility to remain focused on our core mission: protecting the lives and safety of the Harding Township community.

Why This Change Is Necessary

When the Country Auction began seven decades ago, the department responded to fewer than 50 calls per year. Today, our volunteers answer nearly 700 emergency calls annually, while also meeting significantly expanded state-mandated training and certification requirements. Operating the Auction requires an extraordinary commitment of time—more than 6,000 volunteer hours each year—including months of planning, item pickups, event setup and operations, and extensive cleanup. As a fully volunteer organization, we must ensure that our members’ limited time and energy are focused where they matter most: emergency response, training, and readiness.

To continue delivering the high level of protection our community expects and deserves, we believe it is essential to refocus our efforts.

Looking Ahead

We are proud to remain one of the few fully self-funded, independent emergency service organizations in the country. We receive no tax dollars from the township, and your generosity has always been—and continues to be—our lifeline.

While the Annual Country Auction is closing an important chapter in our history, we are actively exploring new, more sustainable ways to connect with the community and raise support that better align with today’s operational demands on our volunteers. We look forward to sharing those plans with you in the near future.

We are deeply grateful for the decades of memories, participation, and unwavering support you have given the Country Auction and our department. Thank you for standing with us as we prioritize service, safety, and the future of emergency response in Harding Township.

Sincerely,

The Officers and Members of the New Vernon Volunteer Fire Department

Frequently Asked Questions: The Future of Our Fundraising

1. Why is the Annual Country Auction ending?

After more than 70 years, the New Vernon Volunteer Fire Department has made the difficult decision to retire the Annual Country Auction in its current format so we can focus more fully on our core mission: protecting the lives and safety of the Harding Township community.

When the Auction began, the department responded to fewer than 50 emergency calls per year. Today, our volunteers respond to nearly 700 calls annually while also meeting significantly expanded state‑mandated training and certification requirements.

Operating the Auction requires more than 6,000 volunteer hours each year, spanning months of planning, pickups, setup, operations, and cleanup. To ensure our volunteers’ time is focused where it matters most—emergency response and training—we needed to make this change.

2. Is the Fire Department or First Aid Squad in financial trouble?

No. This decision is not being made because of financial distress.

We remain one of the few fully self‑funded, independent emergency service organizations in the country and receive no tax dollars from the township. Retiring the Auction is a proactive step to ensure our volunteers can meet the growing operational and training demands of modern emergency service. Your ongoing generosity remains critical to our ability to serve the community.

3. Will the department continue picking up donated items?

No. Effective immediately, we are no longer able to accept or pick up donations of furniture, household goods, or auction items.

The logistics of collecting, storing, and sorting donations represent a significant time commitment for our volunteers. We encourage residents to consider local charitable organizations or regional thrift shops for donation needs.

4. How can I support the department going forward?

Your support is more important than ever. Since we do not receive tax funding, community generosity remains our lifeline. You can support us by:

• Responding to our Annual Fund Drive mailings

• Making a donation through our website - https://www.nvvfd.com/take-action

• Volunteer for the Fire Department, First Aid Squad or Auxiliary - https://www.nvvfd.com/take-action

Every contribution – of time, talent and treasure - directly supports emergency response, equipment, training, and readiness.

5. Are you replacing the Auction with another event?

Yes. While the Annual Country Auction is ending, our commitment to community connection is not.

We are actively exploring new, more sustainable events that allow us to spend time with residents without requiring months of intensive logistical work. Our goal is to create opportunities that bring the community together while respecting the increasing demands placed on our volunteer members. Details will be shared soon.

6. Does this mean the department will become a paid (career) department?

No. Our goal is to remain a volunteer‑led organization.

By reducing major administrative and event burdens, we are working to make volunteering more sustainable for residents who serve as firefighters and EMTs. This change helps ensure that volunteering with the department remains manageable, rewarding, and compatible with family and professional life.