The Lakeshore retirement community on Lake Washington has donated more than $40,000 in the last eight years to King County Fire District 20 to use to buy medical supplies and equipment.

Last week after a series of fundraising luncheons, the Lakeshore presented just over $4,000 to the fire district, which serves the West Hill/Skyway area, at a luncheon attended by nearly 140 people.

The donation included $1,000 from the The Lakeshore.

“For us, these firefighters and medics are the best neighbors you could ask for,” said Cheryl St. Louis, The Lakeshore’s executive director, in a press release. “When your neighbors need help, you help them. Giving back to these firefighters and medics makes perfect sense.”

In all donations to the fundraisers from residents and their friends and family have raised more than $43,500.

“This year, the fire district is looking to buy a car seat for our aid car as the fire district is now transporting patients and wants to make sure should we need to transport, we have them safely secured,” said Dave Nelson, a fire district spokesman.

The fire district’s crews respond to about 2,000 calls a year, with about 85 percent of those for medical reasons. Typically, each month there are 15 to 20 calls a month to The Lakeshore, he said.

“Without the contributions of the Lakeshore residents, many of the items we have purchased would go unpurchased,” said Nelson. The monies received go directly into the Fire District’s general fund and can be used where needed.”

Each month firefighters are treated to a lunch, where the donations are collected, he said.