HAZLET, NJ — IMA Urgent Care & Primary Care is hosting its 8th annual bottled water drive to benefit local fire companies and first aid squads.
Eight years ago, IMA recognized that local fire departments and first aid squads use donated funds to purchase water to keep on trucks so first responders can stay hydrated during an emergency.
To help first responders, IMA started its annual bottled water drive.
“I personally have gone through many of those water bottles that IMA has donated,” Fair Haven Volunteer Firefighter John Pallonetti said. “You guys have kept me alive during lots of EMS and Fire calls.”
For 2026, IMA is again expanding its bottled water drive to include donations of granola bars, as first responders often miss a meal and need nourishment when reporting to an emergency.
Granola bars are a fast way to help them stay nourished, officials said.
“The water that is donated goes on our trucks, which allows the firefighters to rehydrate during incidents,” Middletown Fire Chief Dan Kelly said.
“With the required level of physical activity needed during the warm days of spring and summer, it is imperative that we hydrate so that we can continue to serve the community during their time of need,” he continued. “Thank you for helping us when we need it the most.”
Bottled water and granola bars can be dropped off at any of IMA’s two urgent care centers and eight primary care offices during office hours:
“Our bottled water and granola bar drive provides a direct impact on our local first responders,” IMA President Dr. Brendan Mulholland said. “This support helps first responders stay hydrated and nourished during emergencies.”
To date, IMA’s patients have donated over 9,000 cases of water to benefit local first responders.
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