October is breast cancer awareness month and while different registered student organizations are raising funds for breast cancer research, community members are doing their part as well.

The Charleston Fire department will be selling t-shirts and hooded sweatshirts that benefit the health of local women throughout the month.

The hot pink t-shirts are on sale for $13 and the hoodies are $23.

Tim Meister, the Charleston Fire department captain, said firefighters never fight fires alone while they are on the job.

“We always go into burning buildings with at least one partner,” Meister said. “Teamwork is paramount.”

The project originally only lasted one week, but during the past five years has grown to become a month long event.

The fire department is selling hot pink shirts and hoodies this year that have a quote saying “No one fights alone.”

All of the proceeds from the shirts will be donated to the Illinois Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer Foundation at the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Service.

Meister said the department hopes to raise as much as they can for the cause.

“Everyone here (at the Charleston Fire Department) knows someone who has been affected by Breast Cancer,” Meister said.

The Illinois Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer Foundation also offers free breast exams, mammograms, pap tests and pelvic exams to eligible women who do not have insurance, according to their website.

Meister said the proceeds would be given to the foundation at the health service so they can be kept local.

Meister said the firefighters would also be wearing the shirts while on duty to support the cause, and hope the public will raise awareness by wearing them as well.

“Real firefighters wear pink,” Meister said.

If interested in supporting the cause and buying a shirt or hoodie, please call the Charleston Fire Department at (217) 345-2132 or just stop by their station at 1510 A Street, Charleston.

Lynnsey Veach can be reached at 581-2812 or at [email protected]