Emergency Services Canteen Unit

Did You Know?

Since 2019, the Emergency Canteen Unit has provided nourishment, relief, and spiritual care 
to over 6,000 First Responders on some of their hardest days.

What is our Canteen Unit?

The Bridge Community Church Canteen Unit's mission is to provide Emergency Response Personnel with adequate personal hydration and nutritional needs during prolonged emergency incidents.

The Canteen Unit responds to emergency incidents as requested by the Fauquier County Sheriff's Office, Warrenton Town Police, Virginia State Police, Remington Town Police, Fauquier County Career and Volunteer Fire Department and VDOT.

When Duty Calls... Our volunteers:
*Walk up to ½ mile carrying all supplies to reach responders on scene
*Bring cooling towels, extra socks, and gloves on demanding days
*Provide Wi-Fi, bathrooms, and shade when responders can’t leave the site
*Have given 4,500+ volunteer hours directly on incidents

Keeping the Canteen Unit ready for service takes year-round commitment:

☎️ Dispatched by 911 to critical incidents

🍫 Restocks shelves monthly — about $120 in snacks

🧺 Weekly truck washes keep everything mission-ready

❄️ Winter: vehicle must stay plugged in to keep pipes from freezing

🧊 Summer: 10–12 bags of ice used at each call-out!

Serving with Heart

🔥 54 Structure Fires served since 2019

👕 Survivors receive toiletries, clothes, and spiritual care immediately

⏱️ Average call lasts 4 hours — we’re there every minute

🧡 How You Can Make a Difference

Your generosity helps us maintain and expand vital services:

⚡ Electrical upgrade for the carport — $35,000 (power freezers and Canteen Unit safely)

🚽 Bathroom improvements — $800 (for volunteers and responders during responses)

💧 Ongoing call-out support — $300 per response