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HELENA - AAA has announced that nine rural volunteer fire departments in Montana will receive $1,000 grants for their youth programs from the AAA Montana Endowment for Prepared Youth Programs.

Rural fire departments play a key role in their communities. Their youth programs teach life saving skills about fire, emergency and traffic safety that reach far beyond those sitting in the classroom AAA says in a press release.

Students, from elementary through high school, share what they learn with their parents, siblings and friends. These programs also instill a desire to volunteer and participate in their communities now and for years to come.

"As a not-for-profit corporation, AAA understands how vital it is to receive proper funding," says Denice Harris, AAA Spokeswoman. "The AAA Endowment will give these nine rural fire departments the tools they need to build awareness among children and youth of fire prevention and safety education."

The rural fire departments receiving the AAA Endowment include:

Broadus Volunteer Fire Department, Custer County Rural Volunteer Fire Company, Glendive Fire Department, Hamilton Volunteer Fire Department, Madison Valley Rural Fire Department, Paradise Valley Fire, Silver Bow Fire Training Center, St. Labre Volunteer Fire Department and Wise River Volunteer Fire Company.

The AAA Endowment is made possible through a partnership with the Montana Community Foundation. Since 1988, the foundation has worked aggressively to expand endowed philanthropy and build stronger communities. Their work with donors, charitable organizations, cities and towns plays a critical role in both philanthropic and community development.

"These fire departments provide an essential service to their communities," said Linda Reed, President and CEO of the Montana Community Foundation. "Many of these organizations are staffed entirely by hardworking volunteers. We're so pleased to partner with AAA to provide grants to enhance their safety education programs."