KERN COUNTY, CA-- Kern County once again opened up its hearts and wallets, to help those in need.
Firefighters around Kern County raised money on Saturday for the families of the 19 firefighters killed in the Yarnell Hill wildfire in Arizona.
Crews in Tehachapi and Bakersfield passed the boot around and washed cars.
In Tehachapi, firefighters lined the streets near Valley Blvd. and Highway 202.
"The money goes directly to the families because a lot of their families were seasonal firefighters just like our crews here and we really want to show support for them," said Captain Derrick Davis, Kern County Fire Department.
By Saturday afternoon, over $20,000 had been raised.
Keli Stafford just returned from Prescott, Arizona where many families of the fallen firefighters live.
Safford says she knew six of the firefighters that died.
"When it comes down to it they need the bills paid, they need food on the table, they need their kids supported with clothes," Stafford said. "School is right around the corner, any school stuff they may need that is where the money will go to."
Sean Collins of the Kern County Fire Department was overwhelmed by the show of support in Tehachapi and Bakersfield and happy he could do his part.
"I feel like I am playing a very important part of those families getting back to normality," Collins said. "They don't know me, the people involved don't know me, but it does not matter."