Firefighters plan boot drive to raise money for charities

By JOHN MUNFORD
jmunford@TheCitizenNews.com

Firefighters for Fayetteville and Fayette County will join forces the weekend of Aug. 27-29 to help raise money for three organizations through a boot drive.

The drive will feature firefighters at select locations seeking donations from the public which will benefit the South Metro Service Center of the American Red Cross, the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation.

Fayette County Schools will also be participating in the fundraiser, said Capt. Pete Nelms of the Fayette County Department of Fire and Emergency Services.

The Red Cross recently experienced a $1.75 million shortfall since one of its major supporters, the United Way, has cut back its support, said Ruben Brown of the American Red Cross. Recent victims of the flooding in Fayetteville were assisted by the American Red Cross, which has also responded to assist several families in Fayetteville who have lost their homes to fire recently, said Fire Chief Alan Jones.

"It's great to be able to have someone who can help," Jones said of the Red Cross's efforts.

The Red Cross spent $10,000 on disaster relief in Fayette County last year alone, with labor provided by volunteers to the program.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association helps children like Trevor, 14, and his brother Brandon, 10, both of Peachtree City, who suffer from the disease. The MDA conducts research on the disease and provides a wide variety of medical services such as diagnostic procedures, genetic tests, various therapies and support groups.

The MDA also conducts widespread professional and public health education as part of its services. MDA depends solely on private donations since it does not receive any government grants.

A recent fundraiser in Fayette County for MDA netted over $40,000, with money still coming in, said Meryl Mineo, MDA program coordinator.

The Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation operates a camp for children who have suffered burns and also donates funds to hospitals which operate as burn centers which treat young patients.