Firefighters, motorists kick in to help local American Red Cross chapter
By TIM GULLA Ledger Staff Writer tim@gaffneyledger.com

Ledger photo / TIM GULLA Proceeds from boot drives held at various locations throughout the county Saturday will go to the local American Red Cross chapter.

Cajun Manning of the CKC Fire Department stood in the middle of a road in Blacksburg while Josh Parker of the Buffalo Fire Department stood in the center of the busy roadway just off Exit 102 of Interstate 85.

With boots in hand they, and several dozen other area firefighters, braved a drizzle, cold breeze, and standing just inches from flowing traffic Saturday for a good cause.

Participating in its second annual boot drive for the American Red Cross, Cherokee County's Fire Chief's Association set out to raise funds for local fire and disaster victims and by the end of the day, firefighters hoped they had nearly doubled last year's total.

Antioch Fire Department Chief Glenn Gregory, who organized the countywide effort, was pleased with the apparent success of the boot drive, as well as the generosity of Cherokee County residents who drove through boot drive stations around the county.

"We're going to take (the money) to the bank and let them count it we did so well," he said.

Last year's event raised more than $4,000. Estimating by the volume of the pocket change and bills they collected Saturday, Gregory hoped this year's event raised between $7,000 and $9,000. Gregory and other members of his fire department held their boot drive at the entrance to the Wal-Mart on West Floyd Baker Boulevard.

Other firefighters were set up near the entrance to Lowe's Home Improvement. It was estimated those two locations alone generated close to $2,000 in donations.

A final figure should be available Monday.

To firefighter's like Gregory, the boot drive hits close to home.

A family in Antioch Fire Department's coverage area recently lost their home to fire. "All they had was the clothes on their back," Gregory said.

Within 30 minutes of being called, the Red Cross was on the scene and prepared to assist the family with shelter and money for basic necessities to help get them back on their feet. The boot drive's fund will go directly to helping people just like that family.

"All the money (from the boot drive) stays in Cherokee County," Gregory said.

March was Red Cross month. The Cherokee County Chapter of the American Red Cross held most of its major fundraisers this month, including its annual Taste of Cherokee.