Escondido Firefighters Hold Boot Drive To Help Fund Search For Missing Teen Amber Dubois

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Escondido firefighters helped with the search for missing Escondido, California teenager Amber Leeanne Dubois recently by holding a boot drive at two busy intersections in their community. Amber Dubois, 14, disappeared on the morning of February 13, 2009 while walking to school, and has been missing since. Her case has garnered national attention, with a recent segment featured on America's Most Wanted, and in the past several weeks, hundreds of volunteers have joined forces to search for Amber, passing out flyers and raising community awareness.

The Escondido firefighters did their part by raising nearly $10,000 in just two hours through the Bring Amber Home Boot Drive. Although he could have easily gone home after his shift ended at 6:30 a.m., Escondido firefighter Alan Wheeland chose to collect donations for Amber instead, saying that her disappearance affected him deeply. "I live here in town. My daughter goes to Escondido High where Amber was abducted on her way to school. It is pretty close to my heart."

Motorists and passersby happily contributed to the cause. Escondido resident Johnny Sanchez brought a large bag of change and a check to the boot drive, saying, "It's really hard for our community. So I just want to do whatever I can and keep praying for her safe return and just be a part of what's going on. Every bit helps."

Amber Dubois is currently listed as a missing juvenile, as police have not been able to ascertain whether she is a runaway or has been abducted. She was last seen at 7:10 a.m. on February 13, 2009 while walking to school. She was seen in the company of a young, tall, slender, dark-complexioned boy who has yet to come forward. She is described by many as an excellent student and bookish teen, and people who were close to her say she would never run away. Concerns about internet predators have recently been raised as friends told police that she was chatting online with boys, and a forensic investigation of her family's computer showed a spike in activity the week before her disappearance. Despite this, leads have begun to dry up, and police are asking anyone with information to call them at (760) 743-8477. An informational website has also been set up and can be accessed at www.bringamberhome.com. A $60,000 reward has been offered for Amber's safe return and the capture of her possible abductor.

Maurice Dubois, Amber's father, is very thankful for the help that the Escondido firefighters have given him and his family. The money that they raised will go towards the search efforts for Amber. He anxiously awaits her return saying, "I can't wait to have my baby back home. That's my only child, and I want her home."