The Rockdale County Fire and Rescue collected $16,000 for the Georgia Firefighter's Burn Foundation during its three-consecutive Friday "Give Burns the Boot" drive held May 6, 13 and 20.

Rockdale County Fire and Rescue was one of more than 100 fire departments throughout Georgia that participated in the 22nd annual "Give Burns the Boot" fundraiser, benefiting the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation.

"Final tallies as to how much this year's project raised in Georgia were not available at press time, but we would like to thank all of our citizens for their generous support," said Sharon Webb, Boot Drive coordinator for Rockdale County Fire and Rescue.

In its first 21 years, this event raised more than $11 million statewide for the Foundation.

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.

 Firefighters going to fill the boot

Rockdale County Firefighters will look to "fill the boot" for three days in August to help the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

On Aug. 12, 15 and 19 firefighters will be stationed at various locations throughout the county accepting donations in support of MDA.

All monies donated will be used to aid local children and adults living with neuromuscular diseases by providing wheelchairs, leg braces, clinic visits, support groups and a chance for children to attend the local MDA Summer Camp in Rutledge, Georgia where many of the firefighters volunteer their time to be counselors.

Rockdale County Firefighters have participated in the boot drive campaign for over 12 years. All the money collected will be presented to the association on Labor Day at the Jerry Lewis Telethon.