Rockdale County firefighters recently hit the streets with boots in hand to collect money to help burn victims.

During the three-day "Give Burns the Boot" fundraising drive in May, the Rockdale County Fire Division collected $12,142.46 for the Georgia's Firefighters Burn Foundation.

The Rockdale County Fire Division was one of more than 100 fire departments throughout the state of Georgia that participated in the 21st annual "Give Burns the Boot" fundraiser, benefiting the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation. Over the past 21 years, this event has raised more than $8 million statewide for the Foundation.

"We would like to thank all of our citizens for their generous support," said Sharon Webb, Boot Drive Coordinator for the Rockdale County Fire Division.

Funds collected through the boot drive will be used to help support the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation's mission: to educate the public in burn awareness and prevention, to support medical facilities in the care of burns in Georgia and to assist burn survivors in their recovery. Additionally, a portion of the total funds raised is returned to the local fire departments to support local education and prevention efforts. By supporting the Boot Drive, the public is also supporting their local fire department and their own community.

For more information regarding how to volunteer or donate, contact Fire Safety Education Sharon Webb at (770) 278-8453 or at sharon.webb@rockdalecounty.org.