Pirate Island water drive helps Collinsville firefighters beat the heat

As North Texas continues to endure late-summer heat, a downtown Collinsville business is once again asking the community to help keep local firefighters hydrated.

Pirate Island is holding its fourth annual “Hydrate a Firefighter” bottled water drive, collecting cases of water and sports drinks for the Collinsville Fire Department through the Collinsville Pioneer Day celebration Sept. 19.

“We are always looking for ways to give back to those who give so much for us,” Pirate Island c-co-owner Layne Lewter said. “It is especially hot this year. The triple digits have not broken yet, and these guys need our help more than ever.”

For each case of bottled water or sports drinks donated, donors will receive an entry into a drawing for a $50 Pirate Island gift card.

The restaurant is also accepting cash donations. Lewter said every $5 donated will count as one entry in the drawing, with Pirate Island using the money to purchase water for the fire department.

“We will take the money and buy the water for you,” Lewter said.

The goal is to collect enough water to help firefighters build a supply that will last well beyond the current stretch of hot weather and into the coming weeks and months.

Lewter said the drive has received strong community support since it began four years ago.

“The community support has been great over the years,” he said. “We are always overwhelmed by the outpouring.”

The winner of the $50 gift card will be drawn during the Collinsville Pioneer Day celebration Sept. 19. The winner does not have to be present and can pick up the gift card at Pirate Island after the drawing.

Donations may be dropped off at Pirate Island, 104 N. Main St. in downtown Collinsville.

Pirate Island has served Collinsville for more than 20 years. The family-owned restaurant, operated by Carrie and Layne Lewter, specializes in burgers, pizza and daily lunch specials.

The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, contact Pirate Island at 903-429-3631.