Looking for a way to give back? 97.1 FM Talk is proud to introduce Talk in Action—our feature dedicated to uplifting local charities and strengthening neighborhoods. From helping families in need to supporting grassroots organizations, we’re here to inspire and empower you to take action with us. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected community.
Supporting Our Local Heroes Since 2018
History:
Founded in 2018, the St. Louis First Responder Canteen was created to serve those who serve us—firefighters, police officers, EMS, and other first responders operating in the greater St. Louis area. Originally started by a small group of volunteers with a passion for public safety and community care, the Canteen has grown into a trusted, go-to resource during emergencies large and small. Over the years, it has responded to hundreds of calls, ranging from house fires to major disasters, offering on-scene support at no charge to
departments.
Current Activities
Operating 24/7/365, the Canteen provides on-site support during:
• Structure fires
• Multi-agency incidents
• Search-and-rescue operations
• Crime scenes or standoffs
• Natural disasters and large-scale emergencies
Services include:
• Hydration: cold water, sports drinks, hot coffee
• Nutrition: snacks, light meals, energy items
• Shelter: tents, shade, fans, or warming areas
• Relief: a place for responders to regroup and recharge
The team responds rapidly with specially equipped vehicles staffed by trained volunteers.
The Canteen operates entirely on donations and receives no government funding.
How to Support & Volunteer
Volunteer
The Canteen is always looking for volunteers who can:
• Respond to incidents (training provided)
• Restock supplies and maintain vehicles
• Assist with fundraising and community outreach
• Provide administrative or logistical support
Individual Donations
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all contributions are tax-deductible. Support can come in the form of:
• One-time or recurring online donations
• Donated supplies: water, snacks, hygiene items
• Sponsorship of vehicle maintenance, uniforms, or fuel
Corporate & Foundation Funding
Businesses, philanthropic organizations, and family foundations can make a major impact through:
• Sponsorships – Fund vehicles, equipment, uniforms, or entire response missions
• Matching Gift Programs – Encourage employee giving with corporate match
• In-Kind Donations – Provide food, drinks, fuel cards, or services
• Grant Partnerships – Partner with the Canteen on public safety, disaster response, or community resilience initiatives
• Event Sponsorship – Support or co-host community fundraisers and awareness events
All corporate partners receive recognition through digital and printed materials, social media, and community engagement events.
Spread the Word
• Invite the Canteen to speak at your civic, corporate, or community group
• Follow and share their mission on social media
• Connect them with local businesses, donors, or funding sources
Contact & More Info
Website
Email
Phone: 314-808-2325
Facebook
Instagram
The Freedom 13: June 4 for Jared – In memory. In honor. In action.
Related
The Mission – The Missouri Freedom Camp
Nestled on 171 acres of rolling Missouri hills, The Missouri Freedom Camp offers a place of peace, purpose, and healing for our nation's Veterans and their families. With a serene fishing lake, two onsite homes (and 11 more on the way), three barns, an inground pool, over four miles of scenic riding trails, and a shooting range—this is more than a retreat. It’s a place where Veterans can take a knee, reconnect, and recover alongside fellow warriors.
What’s Ahead:
We’re just getting started. The ultimate mission:
50 camps—one in every U.S. state
650 homes built for Veterans and their families
Over 50,000 acres dedicated to healing
Serving 32,500 Veterans annually
Support the Mission – Join the $13/month Campaign: The Freedom 13 needs 3,000 committed patriots to give just $13/month to keep the Missouri Freedom Camp thriving.
We’re calling it: June 4 for Jared – In memory. In honor. In action.
August 30 – Angels of Abbey Gate Memorial Ride
Join thousands from across the region, including 13+ ride launch points (some as far as Indiana), as we converge at the Jefferson Barracks Amphitheater. All street-legal vehicles welcome. Live music, food & drink trucks, golf ball crane drop, and the debut of our Freedom 13 T-shirt Cannon! Pre-register now. Sponsorships available.
October 10–12 – Freedom 13 Music Festival
3 days of live music on the riverfront in historic Grafton, IL at the Hawg Pit BBQ. Tickets on sale June 1st. Don’t miss it.
November 8, 2025 – The Freedom 13 Gala
Join us at the Foundry Art Center for an unforgettable night of honor, impact, and celebration.
Because in our family, every day is Memorial Day.
Whether you give, ride, volunteer, or spread the word—you’re part of the mission. Let’s go bigger. Let’s go further. Together.
The James W. Foley Legacy Foundation is dedicated to advocating for American hostages and wrongful detainees held abroad while promoting journalist safety. Established in 2014, just 16 days after the tragic murder of journalist James W. Foley by ISIS, the foundation honors his legacy by working to reunite American hostages with their families, conducting independent research to hold leaders accountable, and developing educational tools to help journalists and aid workers stay safe abroad.
James W. Foley was an American educator, humanitarian, and independent conflict journalist who was kidnapped in 2012 while reporting in Syria and was murdered by ISIS in 2014. His life serves as a challenge to all to be a courageous voice for freedom, justice, and compassion.
The foundation operates on core values of moral courage, compassion, and justice. Inspired by James Foley, they seek to empower individuals to act with moral conviction for the good of others, empathize with and assist hostage families confidentially, and resolve the injustice of hostage-taking through research and advocacy that shape policies to deter captors and hold them accountable. LEARN MORE AND DONATE HERE
H.E.R.O.E.S. Care has touched the lives of hundreds of thousands of military members. From thousands of care packages to providing direct emergency grants for those deployed totaling more than $1.3 million, distributing more than $157 million in donated products, running seven food pantries, training thousands of volunteers that provide support to deployed spouses, freely giving more than 600,000 diapers per year to struggling military families, providing hundreds of thousands of toys at Christmas and yearly “Suiting a Vet” events.
When young adults lose a parent in service to our Nation, the support they once had often fades as they age out of traditional programs. The Precious Legacy ensures they are never forgotten.
Join The Precious Legacy for a Rhythm & Brews Fest on March 8 in St. Charles! Enjoy live music and great company—all while supporting a vital cause.
Every dollar raised provides an all-expenses-paid destination retreat where these young adults find healing, grief support, resources, and lifelong connections.
Related
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LESA is a consortium of Lutheran schools in the metropolitan St. Louis area who work collaboratively to support and enhance Lutheran education as they serve children and their families in their own unique location.
LESA provides need-based financial aid for deserving students in the St. Louis region. Your donation can make a world of difference, providing quality education and a brighter future for children attending their Lutheran school of choice. Let’s come together and make a lasting impact. Every dollar counts!
