San Joaquin County saw a massive generation of profits through the sale of fireworks for the Fourth of July celebrations. Tracy being the last incorporated city to lift its ban on safe and sane fireworks this year is sure glad to have taken that step. Till 2011 there was a ban on any type and kind in Tracy.

Fireworks sale gives a profit

The Fire Department reported that nonprofit groups generated $538,000 in gross sales. Of that amount, the nine participating groups received about 50 percent, not accounting for any costs they incurred in renting spaces for their sales stands.

The non-profit groups gave a positive response and some brought in more money than they ever had in a single fundraiser. In all, the coalition filled its coffers with more than $22,000, after selling $50,000 worth of fireworks. Of that $4,000 was paid as rent to Walmart. Still, it was the most the group had ever been able to raise from a single activity.

Profits from Fireworks sale to be used for charitable activities

The Funds garnered from the sale will be used for a number of charitable activities. The funds will be used to provide housing for Tracy residents who are homeless, while another will use the proceeds to purchase uniforms and equipment for the Tracy Learning Center high school athletic programs. Tracy Learning Center was one of the participating organizations and is a cluster of charter schools. The school is estimated to have earned approximately $25,000. The sale booth was run by the school athletes and parent volunteers.

Increase in the use of illegal fireworks

While the focus was always on public safety, the city saw an increase in the use of illegal fireworks. The illegal fireworks are those brands that are considered dangerous for the environment and the public. While these fireworks are considered not safe and sane, the number of people using them saw a rise.