Paulding Firefighters' Boot Drive Raises Record Amount

DALLAS, GA — If you've dropped a couple of bucks into a firefighter's boot during the month of May, you've helped raise a record amount of money for burn victims

As part of the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation's "Give Burns the Boot" drive, Paulding County Fire & Rescue raised $17,334.82. That's the most ever raised in the county during the drive, which raises money for burn prevention as well as treatment and care for burn victims.

In Paulding County, "Give Burns the Boot" was held on May 6, 13 and 20 at all Kroger and Wal-Mart stores, Ingles on Dallas-Nebo Road, Dollar General in Yorkville, and Food Depot onBrownsville Road.

Over 100 departments across the State of Georgia participated in this year’s Boot Drive, which was in its 28th year.

The funds are used to support the burn care community with fire safety & prevention educational materials, to help medical facilities who treat burn patients, and to assist burn survivors during their recovery.

In addition to burn care & prevention programs, the GFBF runs a week-long summer camp for burn-injured children called Camp Oo-U-La. Children between 7-17 years old who sustained serious burn injuries are given an opportunity to grow in their physical and emotional recovery.

Camp Oo-U-La is free to every child thanks to contributions made during the Boot Drive each year.

"It is awesome to see the generosity of our community," said Battalion Chief John Parker, who coordinated Paulding's drive. "Thank you again to everyone who dropped money into the boots, and especially thanks to Kroger, Ingles,Food Depot, Dollar General, and Wal-Mart stores for hosting donation sites.

"Although we are a small community compared to some who participate in the Boot Drive, when all of the donations are counted ,Paulding County is always one of the top donors across Georgia. That speaks volumes about the generosity of our residents."

For free fire safety and burn prevention information, contact the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation at 404-320-6223 or visit its web site.

Photo courtesy Paulding County Fire & Rescue