LODI, Calif. — In a matter of days, fireworks stands normally start popping up around Lodi, but this year the status of the seasonal sales is in jeopardy.
The stands are hosted by nonprofits in partnership with fireworks companies. In April, Lodi held a raffle, selecting organizations that can open fireworks sales booths and a group of alternates. Each of the six first-round picks this year partnered with TNT, including Pastor Timothy Stewart and his church, Vintage Church.
"Getting that text from the TNT coordinator, 'You're in! Number two'... it was like, 'Yes!' We can do so much good in our city," said Stewart, noting that the church planned to spend the money raised during sales on renovations and community events such as backpack giveaways. "Every dollar matters as we're rebuilding... we've been remodeling our kitchen, we're going to be doing concrete."
Ever since the April call, it's been a busy time coordinating volunteers to work the stand and getting the word out, but on Tuesday, just when things seemed set in stone, Stewart received another call.
"We got a phone call from the TNT coordinator and said that there's an issue with the application," said Stewart who also hosted a stand in 2023, raising more than $42,000. "I'm saddened for the impact of the nonprofits that do so much good in our city."
According to the Lodi Fire Department, the vendor for all six booths — TNT — missed a May 20 deadline to submit its application packet.
"As the fire chief, once I have been made aware that someone has not completed an application packet by the deadline, by the ordinance, I must notify the next six alternates that they are in the queue," said Fire Chief Kenneth Johnson. "By following the ordinance, we are being fair to all parties. Although it might not feel that way, we're following the algorithm that was set at the very beginning of this whole process."
TNT did not respond to a request for comment or interview on Thursday. Lodi said the six alternates have until Monday to submit their applications. Johnson declined to say what would happen if the alternates do not file their applications on time.
"We were making decisions based off of those funds," said Stewart. "When you no longer have those funds, you have to then go back to the drawing board."
Now the church and five other nonprofits must go on without those funds. For Stewart, his faith will carry him through, but he has a message for the community.
"Our trust ultimately isn't in fireworks or in government or anything, but it's in the Lord," said Stewart. "Get behind a cause because that's really, nonprofits need your support to continue to do good and serve our communities."
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