‘Fill the Boot’ to support burn survivor programs

Firefighters from the Costa Mesa Fire Department will again hold their annual “Fill the Boot” drive to raise money for UC Irvine Regional Burn Center and its burn survivors programs.

The drive will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 17 and Dec. 18 at the Costa Mesa Fairgrounds – Orange County Marketplace. Volunteers will collect donations from holiday shoppers at both entrances. Burn center staff will also be on hand to answer questions about the survivor programs.

“Costa Mesa Fire Department has supported burn survivors in our community with successful fundraisers for over 16 years,” says Jennifer Cash, the program manager for the burn center. “In the past six years under Capt. Darren Defluiter, the department’s ‘Fill the Boot’ event has raised more than $45,000.”

Cash says discharge from the UC Irvine Regional Burn Center is only the beginning of recovery. UC Irvine’s burn survivor programs are designed to heal the spirit and create a sense of community that allows the survivor to reintegrate into society knowing they are not alone. Pediatric burn camps, scholarships, summer picnics and holiday parties are just a few of the programs designed to help this special group of children and adults thrive.

These programs are funded solely through the generosity of the community and organizations like the Costa Mesa Fire Department.

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