CrimeCon @ Home to benefit the First Responders Children's Foundation

The COVID-19 healthcare crisis has put our frontline workers and first responders squarely in the spotlight. In a time of unprecedented need, an entire nation turned their eyes to the unsung heroes among us and they have answered the call. Now it’s your turn to help them.

We are beyond honored to partner with the First Responders Children’s Foundation to raise funds for first responder families who are struggling during the tremendous demands the COVD-19 pandemic has placed on their loved ones. Created in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks on New York City, the Foundation aimed to help the 800 children that lost a first responder parent in the World Trade Center disaster.

Its mission is to provide financial support to both children who have lost a parent in the line of duty as well as families enduring significant financial hardships due to tragic circumstances. First Responders Children’s Foundation also supports, promotes, and facilitates educational activities and programs created and operated by law enforcement and firefighting organizations whose purpose is to benefit children or the community at large.

Since September 11, the Foundation continues to provide financial support to first responders and their families in the wake of tragic circumstances, as well as support to public safety agencies. For purposes of the COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Grant, the Foundation has expanded its outreach of first responders to include medical personnel. Further, the Foundation has used its strong relationships with public safety agencies to create distribution channels for needed PPE and other supplies.

During the COVID-19 crisis, 1stRCF has:

• Received over 3,000 grant applications (as of 5/5/20), receiving upwards to 400 a day.

• Awarded over $2 million in Emergency Relief Grants.

• Provided over 11,000 hotel rooms to firefighters to help prevent the spread of the virus from first responders to their families at home.

• Distributed over 170,000 surgical grade masks to first responder agencies.

• Paid for 16 funerals of first responders

Currently, the Foundation is preparing to supply substantial amounts of hand sanitizer to first responders -- and tens of thousands of toys to help comfort their children while they’re away.

That’s where YOU come in, true crime fans.

During our free streaming event, CrimeCon @ Home , we’ll ask viewers to join us in supporting 1stRCF so they can continue the incredible and critical work during the COVID-19 outbreak. Where does your money go? Glad you asked!

“We put money and resources directly into the hands of first responders and their families,” says 1stRCF Major Gifts Officer Sarah Greene. She explains that in addition to grants, PPE, and other supplies, 1stRCF uses donated funds to provide scholarships to children whose first responder parent has died or become permanently disabled.

Greene says it’s also important to understand why first responder families are experiencing such hardship during these unprecedented circumstances. Many have lost their day jobs and still show up to volunteer and help their communities. As an example, she explains that eighty percent of firefighters are volunteers, and many have lost their full-time jobs and now are asked to work overtime.

If a spouse has lost their job and healthcare coverage, they face potential for major medical expenses since the entire family now faces an increased risk of exposure to the virus.

In addition, because childcare facilities are limited or entirely closed, first responder families must find alternative childcare which presents an incredible financial burden.

“I think people are beginning to realize the overwhelming need for support for our first responders” says Greene. “These people are there for us every day. They are willing to die for us. We’re all safe at home, but they suit up and go to work. Many of them have to go into neighborhoods and areas where they’re not liked very much, but regardless, they’re going out there to protect us.”

CrimeCon @ Home takes place this Saturday, May 9 from 4:00-6:00pm ET. The FREE virtual event, which will stream live on Facebook, Instagram, and more, will be jam-packed with fun, fresh true crime content -- but you don’t have to wait until Saturday to support our first responder heroes! Click here or text CRIMECON to 76278 to give now.