Escondido firefighters used their boots this morning to collect donations from passing motorists for the family of missing teen Amber Dubois.
The 14-year-old was last seen walking to Escondido High on the morning of Feb. 13. She has no history of running away from home, but there is no evidence she was abducted, either, said Escondido police Lt. Craig Carter.
Law enforcement and civilian volunteers have conducted several unsuccessful searches for her in the Escondido area, and Carter said roughly 100 tips have produced no evidence of what has become of the girl.
About $60,000 in reward money has been raised through individual and business donations in an effort to encourage people to come forward with information on the missing girl. The money will also be used to defray family expenses related to the disappearance, such as taking days off work.
Today's fundraiser occurred at Lincoln Parkway and Broadway. About a half-dozen firefighters, with their boots in hand, took turns running up to motorists' windows so people could toss their donations into the boots.
The idea came from an annual Give Burns the Boot fundraiser for burn victims that area firefighters participate in.
The fundraiser has ended, but people wishing to donate can still drop off money at any of the city's fire stations.
Anyone with information on the missing teenager was urged to call (760) 743-TIPS.
