LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, Ohio — It was an idea that clicked and quickly generated quite a bit of money for new equipment at the North Lawrence Fire Department: online raffles.

Their online fundraisers have attracted the attention of millions across the country, far beyond the normal reach for the 16,500 residents in Stark and Wayne Counties.

Lt. Brandon Johnston estimates that since last fall, they've raised about $500,000 for the department.

"We started looking at different avenues and ideas to do and started with raffling off a Browns-Steelers VIP package," Lt. Johnston explained. "Ever since then,this whole thing has taken off. We started buying other prizes: TVs, grills, kayaks - you name it."

North Lawrence Fire Department's Facebook page shows previous online raffles involving cars — a

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