Abingdon Volunteer Fire and Rescue, Inc. had received $45,821.52 toward its 2016 fund drive goal of $100,000 as of Feb. 16, spokesperson Robert Parlett said Tuesday. That figure was from 505 donors.

The campaign began with the mailing of approximately 9,000 solicitation letters in December to squad’s service area from Hickory Fork Road through the southern end of Gloucester. Usually it takes the entire year to reach the goal, with many memorials and honorary donations made throughout the year, Parlett said, and last year the squad came about $6,000 short of its $100,000 goal.

A second mailing is planned for March.

The squad relies on Gloucester County to fund major expenses such as a new fire truck or ambulance, Parlett said, and the public fund drive helps pay for day-to-day expenses like fuel, insurance and some miscellaneous equipment. Meanwhile, the squad applies for state grants to help pay for training its members, he said.

The squad has approximately 90 members, Parlet...