It wasn’t just a shopping day at Kmart — it was a day to give back. As the store marks 30 years on Guam, they’re celebrating their anniversary by supporting first responders, partnering with firefighters to "Fill The Boot".

Nearly two dozen firefighters spent much of the morning at the entrance of Kmart, boots in hand, asking the community to donate for the cause. The event — held on September 11 — is  organized by FOAM— the Firefighter Organization for Activities and Morale.

GFD chief Darren Burrier explains the mission of FOAM, saying, "It's an independent organization within the fire department which consists of all firefighters that raise funds for charitable organizations in order to contribute to help the community and also help toward firefighter welfare. And in this event we are collecting money and whatever we collect up to $5,000, Kmart will match and that will go toward the fire truck pull for autism this year."

Quickly the boots filled with donations and also marked a milestone for Kmart. As the retailer celebrates three decades on Guam, they wanted to pay it forward by honoring first responders who have stood with the community through crisis after crisis.

The chief added, "Kmart reached our FOAM representatives. what they want to do is give back to the community. the community is what keeps this store going. and they want to be able to give back to that community and show and appreciate the loyalty of the customers on Guam and be able to give back to them. it's going to go to a worthy cause."

With the backdrop of September 11, the event carried extra meaning — reminding the island of the sacrifices and courage shown by firefighters everywhere. Public information officer for FOAM, Firefighter George Mesa said, "I would like to thank Kmart for having us for their 30th...Kmart wanted to give back to local firefighters, we are doing the fill our boot so we are asking people to donate, Kmart is willing to match... a big thank you to them."

The community answered the call — filling the boot, lifting up firefighters, and marking 30 years of Kmart rooted in Guam. "It is so much appreciated, especially on this date 9/11 and remembrance of what happened," said Burrier. "As a community it shows our unity and willing to help others to come together in times most in need. so those that are in more need, is what its all about."