Building on the success of its breakfast buffet program, Friendship Fire Company No. 1 of Geigertown will offer Lenten dinners every Friday through March 27 from 5 to 8 p.m.

A members-only soft opening was held on Feb. 13, and dinners began on Feb. 20. Menu items offered for sale include a baked fish dinner, crab cakes, fried shrimp and half a pound of peel-and-eat shrimp.

For non-seafood eaters, stuffed chicken and breaded chicken are offered, as well as grilled cheese and chicken nuggets designed to appeal to children. All dinners are served with a roll, coleslaw and macaroni and cheese or french fries, as well as a beverage.

Dinners are prepared in the fire company's kitchen by volunteers, including Wayne Steele, training officer, who noted that guests are welcome to dine in at the fire company. Takeouts will also be offered.

Steele noted that between 160 and 200 people attend the breakfasts, and organizers hope for the same turnout for the Lenten meals. "About 20 years ago I did (the Lenten meals) for a fire company in Tremont, where I came from in Schuylkill County," he stated. "To this day, they still do them, and it is very profitable for them. The idea was to bring it here."

Proceeds will benefit the fire company, which provides fire, rescue and EMS services to the citizens of Robeson Township, as well as mutual aid response to surrounding communities.

The fire company holds fundraisers to help purchase new vehicles and equipment and for building and apparatus maintenance. "We have ladder truck, an engine, an attack truck, a utility truck and an ATV for brush fires. It's a large fleet," said Steele.

The fire company's all-you-can-eat breakfast is held on the first Sunday of each month from 7 to 11 a.m. unless the day falls on a holiday. The next scheduled event will be on March 1.

Additional upcoming events include a line dance set for Saturday, March 7, at 7 p.m. at the fire company. Snacks and beverages will be available to purchase.

Other fundraisers include chicken barbecues and bingo. The company's social hall is available for rent, as well.

Community activities hosted by the fire company include an annual free Easter egg hunt and Trunk or Treat. The company also drives Santa Claus around the neighborhood on a fire truck each holiday season. During Fire Prevention Week in October, firefighters visit local schools to talk about fire safety and prevention.

Friendship Fire Company is located at 3433 Hay Creek Road, Geigertown. For more information about activities, visit http://www.geigertownfireco.com or http://www.facebook.com/geigertownfirecompany. Those with questions may call 610-286-6481 or email station@geigertownfireco.com.

The all-volunteer fire company is also in need of members, including firefighters, fire police and forestry crew members who respond to brush fires. Non-firefighter positions are also available. To learn more and to complete a membership application, visit http://www.geigertownfireco.com/recruitment.