RICHFIELD — A converted ambulance, affectionately termed the “Lunch Box,” has been used for the last 10 years to provide nourishment to Richfield area firefighters while they battle blazes.

“With our area being so rural, it’s very hard to get the Red Cross or anybody there in a timely manner,” said Carolyn Arndt, secretary of the auxiliary. “These firemen needed something.”

That’s why she and the other 25 members of the auxiliary purchased the company’s old ambulance and decked it out with a microwave, coffee pot and food and drinks, which are stored in the vehicle’s many labeled compartments. The members prepare barbecue in bags, frozen soup and cold sandwiches, as well as cookies, coffee and other drinks.

They bring with them extension cords, so they can hook up to any electrical outlet on the scene or into one of the fire company engines.

“They are basically like another left hand for us,” said Dale Maneval, Richfield Fire Company chief. They are appreciated the most when firefighters find themselves at a structure fire where they have to remain on the scene for several hours, he said.

The 1989 Ford van being used now, however, is in need of repairs and is getting too small. So when the Richfield Ambulance League’s new ambulance arrives in March, its 1999 Ford modular will be sold to the fire company auxiliary to use as the new Lunch Box.

Auxiliaries in the past provided supplies to firefighters, but according to Arndt, they did not go to fire scenes. Many of the auxiliary members are ambulance personnel, Arndt said, so they saw the need from all sides.

Usually about 15 auxiliary members show up at the scene of prolonged fires, depending on the time the fire occurs.

“That’s our main purpose — to support them,” Arndt said.

Maneval said the auxiliary has been a tremendous source of financial support as well.

In July, when the company purchased a new truck, the auxiliary gave the firefighters a check for nearly $16,000, earned through various fundraisers.

The group’s largest annual fundraiser, a basket auction, will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday in the Richfield Village Merchant. The auxiliary also will sell food, including homemade soups and pies, beginning at 4. Reflective address markers also will be available.

According to Arndt, the event usually raises about $3,000.

Donations to the fire company, the auxiliary and the ambulance league may be sent to the Richfield Fire Company, P.O. Box 236, Richfield, PA 17086.