Firefighters also will be out raising funds as the drive continues on Oct. 17 and 24.

While most of the funds go to the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation, 10 percent of the money raised in Hall County stays here to be used to fund education and programs to prevent fires and burn injuries. Last year, Hall County Fire Services raised $48,000 during the drive, the fifth-highest amount raised in the state. That means $4,800 was used in Hall County.

"During this year’s boot drive we are hoping for more," said Hall County Fire Services Capt. Scott Cagle. "Not for the recognition but during this bad economic time we need all the help we can get to ensure we provide the best fire safety programs to the boys and girls of Hall County."

The Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation helps support burn survivors in their recovery, both while in the hospital and when they are discharged back into the world. The money also goes toward fire prevention materials.