BREWSTER, WA - Packed inside every small-but-vibrant cherry is the power to brighten nearly anyone’s day. That is exactly what a few boxes of fresh, Washington-grown cherries did for the firefighters who put their lives on the line to battle forest fires in the Okanogan Valley of Washington State when Chelan Fresh™ and Gebbers Farms recently showed up at the fire camps to give the gift of fresh produce.

“It is impossible to express the immense gratitude that we have for these men and women,” added Tom Riggan, President of Chelan Fresh. “But we hope they know we recognize their sacrifice.”

Bob Grandy from Gebbers Farms—a fruit packer for Chelan Fresh—and his wife, Kathryn, delivered cherries to the Bridge Creek fire crew camp and the main fire crew camp at Liberty Bell High School near Winthrop, in addition to giving the delicious fruit to the National Guard, a fire crew from Oregon, and Tribal members from Arizona distributing meals and supplies to firefighters.

Smiles could be seen all around—in between bites of the mouthwatering cherries, of course.

“The response was tremendous. Everywhere we went, the crews were surprised and happy to have a fresh, healthy snack,” Grandy said. “It was a small gesture, but we wanted them to know that we appreciate all they are doing to protect Washington’s rural communities.”

Fresh produce is the gift that keeps on giving, and we here at AndNowUKnow are proud to see it brighten the day of some of our nation’s heroes.

Chelan Fresh™ Gebbers Farms