Firefighters to hold "Give Burns the Boot" drive

ALBANY, GA (WALB) - Firefighters see burn victims all too often and every year they do what they can to educate children on burn prevention to lessen the amount.

That's education the Albany Fire Department says they know produce results.

To promote that this weekend they're holding the annual "Give Burns the Boot" fundraiser, along with over 100 other counties across Georgia, Saturday at Sam's Club from 9 am until 4 pm that afternoon on North Westover.

"We have met children that have saved other children's life that have come through our fire safety house," said Gwen Jennings, Fire Safety Inspector.

But for the cases they can't prevent, they just want to provide comfort for burn victims in recovery.

Thankfully for that they get help from the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation.

"Five years ago, two little boys got burned here in Albany and they were burned severely bad and we had to go out and talk to them and also we took them gifts," said Jennings. "So, that is part of the burn foundation also."

The foundation also supports Georgia's two burn centers in Augusta and Atlanta and Camp OO-U-La for children burn survivors to have the chance to experience outdoor summer activities.

That's why the Albany Fire department is joining in on the "Give Burns the Boot" campaign this weekend, to raise funds for the non-profit organization.

"Should be a fun event, all in the name of raising money for children that have suffered from burns. as a result of fires," said Daniel Harden, Fire Safety Inspector.

There will be several activities for the whole family, including a fire safety trailer to teach escapes in case of a home fire.

A portion of the funds will also benefit Albany for children's burn education and prevention efforts.

"It's one of the most traumatic injury the human body can sustain, so please help us Give burns the boot!" said Jennings.

Fire officials say this event is all about burn education, prevention, support and recovery.

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