As you gear up for your holiday shopping this weekend, members of the Conway Firefighters Association Local 4016 will be ready, boot in hand.
The 11th annual Fill the Boot campaign starts Friday to benefit needy families during the holidays. Firefighter Billie Carter, who is organizing the effort, said the charity has raised $170,000 over the past 10 years and will attempt to break the $200,000 mark this year. The firefighters have served more than 6,000 children and their families, he said.
"It's tougher on everybody this year," Carter said. "We're expecting the numbers this year, so that's why we're asking everyone to come out and fill the boot," Carter said.
The firefighters usually raise about $30,000 a year. If they reach that amount this year, they will meet their goal, he said.
He said if passers-by can simply donate their pocket change, even that adds up quickly.
"Every little bit helps," he said. "We raised $7,000 just in change last year. That's a lot of change."
The funds will be used to provide clothes, shoes, dental care products and a toy for each child, a large food box for each family as well as a set of Christ-themed ornaments or a Nativity scene.
"Our goal is to share the meaning of Christmas with as many people as possible, but we want it to be low-key, so we put it in the boxes," Carter said.
On Friday, firefighters will be at Conway Commons, Conway Towne Centre, First Security Bank on Old Morrilton Highway and Kroger on Salem Road from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Saturday and Dec. 6 and 13, they will collect from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Boots have been placed in about 50 businesses, including most banks in Faulkner County and a few restaurants, Carter said. Toys may be dropped off at Salon Cortillo, Y107 and Just T's-N.
On Dec. 13, Carter said, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the office of Tony Weaver of Edward Jones Investment at 1050 Bob Courtway Drive from noon to 2 p.m. Firefighters will be there with boots taking donations from anyone wishing to give, but the photos with Santa will be free, he said.
Donations may also be mailed to P.O. Box 2367, Conway, AR 72033.
Carter said Fill the Boot will serve 22 schools this year.
"I get a lot of feedback from the school counselors," Carter said. "Some of them send me letters letting me know their appreciation for helping out the kids. We have people whose kids color us pictures or write us notes as they come to come to pick up their stuff or the day after. That really hits home for me. We enjoy it. We include a Christmas card in our food box to let them know it was from the Conway firefighters. They know the firemen are looking out for them."
He added Fill the Boot has a good working relationship with other Christmas charities.
"If you see someone ringing a bell, put some money in the kettle. Pick an angel off a tree. They need just as much help as we do."
(Staff writer Rachel Parker Dickerson can be reached by e-mail at rachel.dickerson@thecabin.net or by phone at 505-1277. Send us your news at www.thecabin.net/submit)
