LaGRANGE — The LaGrange Fire Department is joining nearly 100 other fire departments throughout Georgia by participating in the 27th annual Give Burns The Boot drive next week.

Benefiting the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation, the event is set for noon to 6 p.m. daily May 19–21 at Walmart on New Franklin Road and Walmart Marketplace on Lafayette Parkway.

“Without the support of our citizens each year, the boot drive would not be a success,” said LaGrange fire Lt. Chris Taylor, local boot drive coordinator. “The LaGrange Fire Department is proud to take part in the drive, and we ask that you continue your support and give as much as you can during this special event.”

The Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to partner with the fire service and burn care community to provide fire safety and prevention education, support medical facilities and assist burn survivors in their recovery.

“The Burn Foundation is grateful to all of the citizens and firefighters that support this campaign. Our work would not be possible without them,” said Dennis Gardin, the foundation’s executive director.

Among activities made possible by Boot Drive proceeds is “Camp Oo-U-La,” Georgia’s only camp held exclusively for burn-injured children. A total of 70 children attended camp in 2015. The camp, paid for entirely by the GFBF, allows the campers one week in the year in which they can live “without society’s cruel comments and stares” and just be kids, states a foundation press release.