'Fill the Boot' Firefighter Boot Drive coming March 5

SAN DIEGO – Local firefighters will take to the streets Thursday, March 5, for the Burn Institute of San Diego-Imperial counties' 21st annual "Fill the Boot for the Burn Institute" Firefighter Boot Drive.

Hundreds of uniformed firefighters will be stationed at intersections across the county to collect donations for the Burn Institute's fire and burn prevention education and burn survivor support services.

Each year, firefighters hit the streets with their boots in hand at intersections around their local community to collect donations during the morning commutes. Passing motorists help to fill those boots with their spare change – ones, fives and 20s – even $100 bills.

No matter the economy or weather, San Diegans have always given generously. This year, dedicated firefighters from 30 departments will hit the streets at over 100 intersections around the county, including at Ammunition and South Mission roads.

Proceeds benefit the Burn Institute's fire and burn prevention education programs and burn survivor support services such as Camp Beyond the Scars for burn-injured children. This unique camp program has provided a safe place for hundreds of young burn survivors to share their experiences in a supportive and nurturing camp environment.

In addition, a portion of the Boot Drive donations are used to sustain the Red Line of Courage Fund, designed to provide financial support to members of the fire service who sustain a burn injury while on duty. This unique program assists with the immediate and long-term needs that arise while our local heroes are recovering from the trauma of a burn.

"The Burn Institute's programs help bring smiles back to children, help bring light to a very dark time, help make tomorrow's obstacles just a little easier to face and help turn burn victims into burn survivors," Brooke, a firefighter burn survivor, said.

What began two decades ago as a grassroots effort backed by the fire service, the Burn Institute's countywide Boot Drive has become a hallmark fundraiser for the organization raising over $200,000 for Burn Institute programs and services each year.

Sponsored by the San Diego Firefighters Advisory Council, the Burn Institute's 21st annual Firefighter Boot Drive is the organization's largest one-day fundraiser. All of the funds raised through the Boot Drive will stay locally here in San Diego County.

As always, the top fire department from each region will win the Burn Institute's highly coveted bronze Boot Drive trophy and the much sought-after bragging rights.

If motorists do not catch a red light or see a firefighter on their commute, they can still donate at http://www.burninstitute.org/donate.

Submitted by the Burn Institute.