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FAQ’s

General FAQ’s

Find quick answers to your most common questions.
Friends of LCEMS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2024 to support the men and women of Lee County EMS. We are a community-driven group — not a government agency — made up of EMS employees, family members, and local supporters who believe our paramedics and EMTs deserve more than the county budget can legally provide.
Lee County EMS is a government entity funded by taxpayer dollars, which means there are strict legal limits on how that money can be spent. The county can pay for ambulances, medical equipment, and operational necessities — but it cannot pay for things like meals at staff meetings, EMS Week recognition gifts, morale events, branded apparel, or supplemental supplies that fall outside formal procurement rules. Friends of LCEMS exists to fill that gap.
Things your donation makes possible include: meals for mandatory staff meetings and training days, EMS Week appreciation gifts and recognition events, morale items like branded t-shirts and teddy bears for pediatric patients, pumpkin carving contests and holiday events for staff, life jackets and community safety items, trophies and sponsorships at community events, stuffed animals kept in ambulances to comfort children during emergencies, and supplemental supplies crews need but can’t requisition through the county.

Yes. Friends of LCEMS is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. You will receive a receipt via email after your donation is processed. Please consult your tax advisor for specifics. [Donate here →]

No. We are an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We are not a department of Lee County or Lee County EMS. We operate separately and are governed by our own volunteer board. Our relationship with LCEMS is supportive, not administrative.

Friends of LCEMS is run by a volunteer board made up of LCEMS employees and community members. There are no paid executives. Virtually all funds raised go directly to supporting LCEMS staff and programs.

You can donate online right here on this website using a credit or debit card. You can also set up a recurring monthly donation if you’d like to provide steady, ongoing support. Every dollar stays local and goes directly toward supporting Lee County EMS. [Donate here →]

Yes, and we’d be honored. Simply add the honoree’s name in the comment field during checkout, or reach out to us at info@friendsoflcems.com and we’ll acknowledge it appropriately.

Our online shop is coming soon! We are currently updating our merchandise offerings and will reopen the shop shortly. In the meantime, follow us on Facebook for announcements on shirt sales and new items, or contact us at info@friendsoflcems.com to inquire about availability.

EMS Week is a national celebration held each May to honor emergency medical services personnel. Because Lee County EMS operates on a government budget, the county cannot purchase gifts, meals, or recognition items for staff during EMS Week. Friends of LCEMS coordinates appreciation events, meals, and recognition gifts so our crews feel valued by their community — not just their employer.

One of our programs provides branded teddy bears that ride in Lee County ambulances. When a child is transported — whether from an accident, illness, or frightening emergency — having something soft to hold can make a real difference. It’s a small gesture with a big impact, and one the county budget simply can’t fund. [Support this program →]

Follow us on Facebook and check the Events page on this website. We post updates on fundraisers, community events, shirt sales, and ways to support LCEMS.

Yes, and we’d love to talk. Sponsorship opportunities are available at multiple levels and help fund everything from EMS Week meals to life-saving equipment supplements. Your business gets community recognition and the satisfaction of supporting the people who show up when Lee County needs help most. Contact us at info@friendsoflcems.com.

Email us at info@friendsoflcems.com or find us on Facebook. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.