Honoring local firefighters in memory of those who died Sept. 11, 2001, is the basis of a sociology group project at Seward. Sociology students developed the idea for the project through a class assignment and will cook a meal for the local firefighters on Oct. 11. “We are surprised,” said Kelly Kirk, fire chief of Liberal Fire Department. “No one has done this for us before. The event falls on the same night as our monthly meeting.” The meal will be served at the Liberal Fire Station, 110 W. 15th Ave. “We wanted to celebrate on a day that is not so somber. Starting at 5:30 p.m., we hope to feed about 50 firefighters,” said student Kara Stump, the group’s facilitator. Seward County Community College/ Area Technical School sociology classes have been performing community service projects for several years. “It’s a great opportunity for students to give back to our community,” sociology instructor Debbie Stafford said. “A few of last year’s projects included a health fair for the Mexican American Ministries, a silent auction for artwork to fund scholarships for the local high school, the creation of a safe park for the Head Start program, and one group helped feed the homeless and fix the homeless shelter. The fireman appreciation event is the first one I know about so far this year.” The group is planning musical entertainment and food donations of hot dogs and hamburger meat. Those who would like to donate or volunteer for this event may contact Stump by calling 620-428-6356 or emailing KJ [email protected]. Organizers request donations of food only, no monetary donations. To donate or volunteer for this or other students’ projects, those interested may contact Stafford at 620-417-1455 or email [email protected].