Firefighters Want to Give Muscular Dystrophy the Boot

Annual Three-Day ‘Fill the Boot’ Fundraising Campaign Kicks Off

Montgomery County, MD  - - - Montgomery County Firefighters will be involved in a different kind of life-saving activity when they hit the streets Wednesday as the 2012 “Fill the Boot” Campaign, an annual tradition across the country, kicks off to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

Teams of firefighters will have boots in hand for three days raising money for the MDA in hopes of speeding research into debilitating neuromuscular diseases and serving the needs of children and adults with muscular dystrophy. Money raised through the annual “Fill the Boot” campaign stays locally and is used to help support approximately 400 families in Montgomery County afflicted with neuromuscular diseases. 

Last year, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) raised nearly 28 million for MDA, making the grand total for the 57-year tradition over $455 million.  In the 28-year history of Montgomery County Fire Fighters supporting the MDA, Montgomery County Fire Fighters have raised almost $1,790,000.00 and have consistently ranked in the top three of all fire departments in the Washington Metropolitan area. Montgomery County Fire Fighters have ranked as high as fourth in the country, raising over $254,000 in 2009. Beginning Wednesday, firefighters will be fanned out in intersections across the County and joining forces with the MDA to raise money as this charitable organization strives to eradicate neuromuscular disease.  Firefighters will remain in their normal response areas and will be available for emergencies and immediate dispatch. This year’s goal takes on significant meaning as firefighters are just over $210,000 away from raising $2 million collected for this important cause since the County began participating in 1984.

Proceeds raised during the campaign will help support MDA’s local services and research programs, including a week long summer camp for kids, support groups, and local clinics. MDA is a volunteer health agency working to defeat more than 40 forms of Muscular Dystrophy, including ALS and related diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services and far-reaching professional and public health education.

Every donation makes a difference. Please join us in giving generously and support the fight against Muscular Dystrophy. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue thanks you for your support and asks that you please slow down for safety when you encounter a “Fill the Boot” intersection. To make a donation if you can’t get by any of the ‘Fill the Boot’ intersections, please stop by any Montgomery County Fire Station to make your donation.