MUSCATINE, Iowa–With in-person Fourth of July gatherings in full swing again this year, the Muscatine Center for Social Action invites everyone planning to put on their own fireworks display to check out its fireworks tent. A popular fundraiser in Muscatine for the past six years, the center will bring it back this summer to continue supporting the work they do to prevent and address homelessness and to stop food insecurity.
A collaboration between the Muscatine Center for Social Action and Bellino Fireworks, the annual fireworks tent offers a wide selection of fireworks for people who enjoy setting off their own each fourth of July. A unique partnership, the center receives a portion of all proceeds to put towards all 16 of their programs, which include the homelessness prevention program, emergency shelter service, domestic violence shelter, and food pantry.
Unlike any other fundraiser held in Muscatine, Muscatine Center for Social Action Resource Development Officer Nik Horn finds the annual fireworks tent brings the community together to celebrate both the center’s work and Fourth of July. “MCSA enjoys being able to pull the community together for a common purpose and some fun; the fireworks tent is a way to do just that,” Horn stated. “We get to share with the community all of the wonderful things MCSA is doing, while also bringing in funds to help support the programs that are changing the lives of our neighbors and residents in need.”
As in previous year’s the Muscatine Center for Social Action fireworks tent will set up shop in the Hy-Vee parking lot at 2400 Second Avenue in Muscatine. Anyone wanting to purchase fireworks and support a good cause at the same time may stop out to shop June 17 through July 4 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Whether you plan to purchase fireworks yourself or not this season, you may still support the Muscatine Center for Social Action by volunteering to help at the tent anytime during the season. Anyone age 18 or older may volunteer at the tent, helping with sales, organizing stock, and assisting customers in finding the right fireworks for them. Additionally, volunteers can help set up the fireworks tent June 16 or help tear it down July 5. People may sign up to volunteer as an individual, or as part of a larger organization or group. People may sign up online or contact Horn at 563-264-3278 or by email to get additional information. So far, signups have started coming in at a good pace, though Horn would like to see even more volunteers register to keep the tent fully staffed. “We already have some wonderful groups of volunteers signed up that I am excited to meet and work with,” she said.
With the Muscatine Center for Social Action’s firework tent fundraiser about to kickoff, Horn would love to see the community aim for the starts and raise a significant amount of money to support the center’s work. Last year, firework sales brought in $29,350, and organizers want to see it raise at least $25,000 this year. As Horn starts signing up volunteers and preparing for the tent, she has a good feeling about reaching this goal. “I am really looking forward to seeing what this event has in store for us and meeting so many members of our community who support our mission,” she shared.
