07 Jan 2013 'Fill the Boot' helps record number
A record number of families in Faulkner County had a brighter Christmas, thanks to the hard work of local firefighters and the generosity of residents who contributed about $41,000 to the annual “Fill the Boot” campaign.
Conway Firefighters Local 4016 organizes the annual campaign, which has raised almost $341,000 and provided gifts for more than 11,000 kids since it was created 15 years ago.
Beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving and continuing the following three Saturdays, off-duty firefighters and their families, as well as other volunteers, set up in parking lots at several locations to hold firefighter boots to accept donations. Boots are also placed in local businesses to collect contributions.
Organizers then work with local school counselors to identify needs and then purchase and wrap Christmas gifts for those families.
The Centennial Bank location on Hogan Lane in Western Conway was presented with the “Boots in Business” traveling trophy for collecting the most money during the 2012 campaign – $1,501.20. This is the third year for branch manager Chandra Mitchell and the Centennial location to claim the trophy. The branch collected $1,000 last year.
There were 71 boots placed in businesses in 2012, with donations totaling $4,783.73. Other top producing businesses were the 8 Mile Store, Stroud’s Diner in Mayflower and Holly’s Country Cooking.
Since 2006, the boots in businesses have generated $25,377.14 in donations.
According to Billie Carter, one of the main “Fill the Boot” organizers, donations were down in 2012 but the need was greater – with a record number 301 helped. He said the economy was probably a factor and some donors may have supported other worthwhile program, like Project Angel Tree or the Salvation Army.
“We knew we were going to have a down year,” he said, expressing that without God’s help the group would not have been able to provide for those in need. “There’s no way we should’ve been able to take care of 301 families.”
Carter expressed his appreciation to the firefighters – full-time and volunteers – as well as residents who made donations.
