Concord firefighters battled more than fires these past few months as they collected money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association during their annual Fill-the-Boot campaign. Local firefighters held collections at Market Days in July and at Walmart during Nascar weekend. A recent visit from MDA's local goodwill ambassador, Elisabeth Hunter of Bow, really pushed the department to fill its boots! Proceeds will help MDA provide services to New Hampshire families, such as expert medical care at the MDA clinic at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, summer camp for youngsters, purchases and repairs of wheelchairs, leg braces or communication devices and other scientific research treatments and cures.
Concord Fire Department is a part of the International Association of Fire Fighters. This is the association's 55th year dedicating its members' time and efforts to the MDA. The Fill-the-Boot tradition began in 1952, when a father in desperate need ran to IAFF member George Graney's Fire Engine Company #1 in South Boston. IAFF Local 718 immediately rounded up 20 firefighters and set in motion a door-to-door canister drive that raised $5,000. Realizing the potential that firefighters had to offer the cause and their excellent image in the community, Graney approached and persuaded other IAFF members to support the MDA. In August of 1954, IAFF named MDA as its “charity of choice” and their signature fundraising activity has been the MDA Fill-the-Boot drive. The IAFF has emerged as the single largest sponsor of MDA, contributing nearly $300 million since 1954, all to benefit Jerry's Kids.
For more information, contact the local MDA office at 471-2722.
