By Adam Pack
Last weekend, the Greenbrier Valley saw a variety of local EMS personnel braving the cold temperatures to gather donations for their “Fill the Boot Drive” to benefit Kentucky EMS following a recent tornado that devastated several communities.
Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Bart Baker reported that one thing comes across loud and clear- locals have given donations in incredibly high numbers. “There were so many that came out to help, to include your brave men and women of the fire departments and EMS. Your dispatchers, who are the first line of public safety. City, county and WVDNR police officers. All gave a combined effort and showed amazing teamwork to make this happen. I’m so very appreciative and proud of all of them,” he wrote in a social media post.
Lt. Baker reported a total amount of $42,217.29 in donations was collected, much higher than his estimated total of $10,000 to $15,000. As previously reported, 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the general emergency service personnel (LEOs, Fire, EMS, etc.) in Kentucky who were affected by the tornadoes.
As well as those who gave at the intersections and other collection points over the Boot Drive period, City National Bank allowed donations to an account for those unable to give out on the town, and the American Beer Company and MOCO/River City T-shirts designed and donated all the signs used by those soliciting donations.
“I would like to extend a great big thank you to all the first responders who stood out in the cold to collect donations, and the wonderful people of Greenbrier County who donated,” said Lt. Baker. “We are truly blessed to live in this wonderful place with so many amazing people!”
