Bucket Brigade Pizza Co., known for its unique pizza-making setup inside a converted antique fire engine, partnered with UPMC Chautauqua to support a Community Blood Bank drive at UMPC-Jamestown on July 3. The collaboration aimed to encourage blood donations by offering free pizzas to donors during the hospital’s blood drive.
Natalie and Eric Hastings, owners of Bucket Brigade Pizza Co., brought their specially outfitted pizza making trailer to the hospital, where it served freshly made pizzas from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to blood donors and visitors alike.
“We decided to collaborate with UPMC because they invited us to help attract blood donors,” explained Natalie Hastings. “Our local hospitals are facing critical blood shortages, and all donations to the Community Blood Bank directly benefit our region. The goal was 25 donors, but thanks to the community’s response, we ended up with 48 donors by the end of the day.”
Bucket Brigade Pizza Co. was founded as a tribute to Eric Hastings’ career in firefighting, with their operations centered around a fully restored 1955 Pirsch Engine fire truck. The truck’s rear section has been ingeniously converted into a pizza-making oven, while retaining all original firefighting equipment such as water lines, lights, sirens, and handheld gear.
In addition to the Pirsch Engine, the Hastings also acquired a converted, pull-behind trailer to expand their pizza-making capabilities and support community events like the blood drive at UMPC-Jamestown.
“We had 165 people visit us that day,” Natalie Hastings continued. “Forty-eight of them generously donated blood, while others were excited to try our pizza and support our presence in Jamestown.”
Beyond their support at blood drives, Bucket Brigade Pizza Co. also hosts Give-Back Days, where they provide free pizzas to community members, homeless individuals, and families in need. The partnership with UPMC Chautauqua was well-received by hospital staff and visitors alike.
Linda Sampson, an administrative clerical specialist at UMPC-Jamestown, expressed positive feedback about the event: “People enjoyed the visit by Hastings, and we hope to see them return.”
Natalie Hastings reciprocated the sentiment, stating, “We appreciated the hospitality from UPMC Chautauqua. They ensured we had everything we needed for the event, and we look forward to returning in the future.”
The collaboration between Bucket Brigade Pizza Co. and UPMC exemplifies community spirit and underscores the importance of partnerships in addressing local healthcare needs and fostering community engagement through innovative initiatives.