KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Lee's Summit firefighters collected more than $31,000 in donations today for Lee's Summit Social Services during the annual Boot Block event.
Car after car dropped in ones, tens, twenties and a few hundreds on Saturday into a firefighter's boot at the intersection of will be at Southeast Third and Southeast Douglas streets. A simple gesture that already has raised some big time cash.
"We are just over a little over $21,000 for this year," said Bryce Buchanan, with the Lee's Summit Fire Department, of how much has been raised so far over two days.
By 5 p.m. Saturday, they had raised $31,642 in what officials called a record year.
Money raised through the annual Boot Block goes to the agency, which provides financial, food pantry and utility resources to meet the basic needs of residents in the Lee's Summit, Greenwood, Lake Lotawana and Lone Jack communities.
The department hopes to beat last year's total, which raised $30,000.
Social services and the city's firefighters have held the fundraiser for nearly 40 years. In that time, they have helped tens of thousands of families.
"The impact that that between the food, utility and rent assistance, it's incredible," said Matt Sanning, with social services.
This year's annual boot drive began Thursday and ends today at 5 p.m.
The off-duty firefighters that volunteered said they hope they make someone's Christmas miracle come true.
"People are super generous this time of year and it's great," said firefighter Tyler Comfort. "Hopefully, we will break our record."
Active and retired Lee's Summit firefighters volunteer their time, off duty, to help raise the funds each year.
