During the 2017 MDA Fill the Boot campaign, the dedicated members of the Jacksonville Association Fire Fighters Local #122 took to the streets to help kids and adults with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related life-threatening diseases live longer and grow stronger. Over three days, Oct. 26-28, more than $144,00 was raised to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
“The fire fighters of Jacksonville Association Fire Fighters Local #122 have once again shown their immense dedication and care for MDA’s families during this year’s Fill the Boot campaign,” said Executive Director Lauren Herringdine. “This year’s Fill the Boot was a success and we are grateful for the generosity of those in the Jacksonville community who have helped individuals with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related muscle-debilitating diseases truly live unlimited.”
Fire fighters have taken part in MDA’s Fill the Boot tradition for more than 60 years, hitting the streets or storefronts asking pedestrians, motorists, customers and other passersby to make a donation to MDA, joining the fight to find treatments and cures for devastating diseases that take away everyday abilities like walking, talking, hugging and even breathing.
In addition to Fill the Boot drives, fire fighter contributions help support MDA’s efforts to free individuals – and the families who love them – from the harm of neuromuscular diseases from year-round local events, including volunteering at MDA Summer Camp.
Funds raised help MDA’s efforts to fund groundbreaking research and life-enhancing programs such as state-of-the-art support groups and Care Centers, including the MDA Care Center at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville and UF Health in Gainesville. They also help send more than 50 local kids to “the best week of the year” at MDA Summer Camp at no cost to their families at Camp Suwannee.
