EASLEY — Firefighters were out in force this weekend at several locations throughout the Easley area but instead of an axe or a fire hose in hand, some residents were surprised to see a very different piece of equipment: a boot.
The Easley Fire Department participated in the annual Fill up the Boots campaign at various intersections and parking lots around town. The fire fighters collected donations from the public, deposited into the boots, to benefit the Augusta Burn Unit.
This year’s goal was set at $10,000.
“All I have is my debit card!” lamented a woman from her car as she spoke to one of the fire fighters collecting donations on Main Street Saturday morning. “But I’ll hit you on the way back!”
Out of every 10 cars that passed, more than half rolled down their windows and tossed something into the boot.
“Thank you for all you do,” said a man in a pick-up truck dropping cash into the outstretched boot. “Y’all are the unsung heroes of the community.”
“Fill the Boot” is a common fundraiser utilized by fire departments nationwide to benefit their area hospitals. Earlier this year, the campaign made national headlines when a firefighter in Lansing, Mich., was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver while collecting donations.
The Joseph M. Still Burn Center in Augusta, Ga., admits over 3,000 patients a year to their 70 bed facility. Besides being verified by the American Burn Association, it is currently the only trauma program in Georgia verified by the American College of Surgeons.
The center is nationally recognized as a leader in burn research and treatment and they also offer professional training programs to promote fire prevention and awareness. It is one of the most experienced burn centers in the South East.
With the Fill the Boot drive behind them, the Easley Fire Department will be holding the 2015 annual Open House on Oct. 8. The public is invited to head on out to Fire Station #2, located at 180 Glenwood Road, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. to tour the station, enjoy refreshments and learn about fire safety and prevention.
