Public Asked To Donate Bottled Water, Granola Bars For First Responders In Middletown And Little Silver

"The donated water goes on our trucks, which allows firefighters to re-hydrate during incidents," said Middletown Fire Chief Dan Kelly.

By Carly Baldwin, Patch Staff

Apr 30, 2026 11:25 am EDT | Updated Apr 30, 2026 11:38 am EDT

Family Practice of Middletown staff with members of the Middletown Fire Department last year. (IMA)

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — IMA Urgent Care & Primary Care is again asking the community to donate bottled water, which will be given to local fire companies and first aid squads this spring and summer.

Eight years ago, IMA recognized that local fire departments and first aid squads rely on donated money to purchase water to keep on trucks, so first responders can stay hydrated during an emergency.

“I personally have gone through many of those water bottles that IMA has donated. You guys kept me alive during lots of EMS and fire calls,” said John Pallonetti, a Fair Haven volunteer firefighter.

Said Middletown Fire Chief Dan Kelly:

"The water that is donated goes on our trucks, which allows firefighters to re-hydrate during incidents. 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. Thank you for helping us when we need it the most.”

To help, IMA started their bottled water drive. IMA is asking the public to donate bottled water and granola bars. 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.

Bottled water and granola bars can be dropped off to any of IMA’s two urgent care centers and eight seven primary care offices during office hours:

Family Practice of Middletown – 18 Leonardville Road, Middletown
Red Bank Family Medicine – 231 Maple Avenue, Red Bank
Red Bank Family Medicine – 35 Gilbert Street South, Tinton Falls
Red Bank Medical – 175 Patterson Avenue, Shrewsbury
River Road Primary Care – 569 River Road, Fair Haven
IMA Primary Care at Shrewsbury, 1026 Broad Street, Shrewsbury
Hazlet Family Care – 3253 Route 35, Hazlet
IMA Pediatrics – 231 Maple Avenue, Red Bank
IMA Urgent Care – 1026 Broad Street, Shrewsbury
IMA Urgent Care – 363 Route 36, Middletown

To date, IMA’s patients have donated over 9,000 cases of water to benefit local first responders.

IMA Urgent Care Middletown’s team with members of Port Monmouth EMS last year. (IMA)

Red Bank EMS Rehab Unit picking up donations at Red Bank Family Medicine on Maple Avenue. (IMA)

Bottled water and granola bar donations at IMA Urgent Care Shrewsbury. (IMA)