They pass the boot, get the loot for toys for needy

From left, Cindi Potts, Debbe Sanborn, Donna Kenaley, Rochester Fire Chief Norm Sanborn Jr, and Santa Claus, himself, beckon downtown motorists to drop a donation into the boot for a Christmas toy benefit for Rochester's neediest. (Harrison Thorp photos)

ROCHESTER - It may have been the biggest shopping day of the year, but it was a giving day as well.

The Rochester Fire Department set up its “boot drive” on North Main Street in downtown Rochester on Friday to collect funds to bring some joy and merriment to Rochester’s neediest families on Christmas morn.

Debbie Sanborn steps to the curb to collect a donation.

With Santa Claus approvingly looking on, volunteers including Rochester Fire Chief Norm Sanborn Jr., his wife Debbie, and a handful of others sought the attention of motorists to pull over for a moment to drop a couple of bucks in a fireman’s boot to help the cause.

“We’ve been out here since 6,” Chief Sanborn said around noon on Friday as a biting wind whipped through the downtown. “But it’s all worth it. It’s a great cause.”