Fill the Boot campaign raises funds for MDA

FERRIS – It was in the city of Ferris last week I saw dedicated fire professionals in the streets raising money for a campaign going on since 1954.

Ferris Fire Chief David Petricca said the Ferris Fire Department assists annually with the Fill The Boot MDA program, and last year the department was able to collect and present MDA with a check for $3,008.

“This year we are on track to exceed that amount,” Petricca said,

“I am very proud and encourage my staff to participate in this program. MDA’s spirited Fill the Boot campaign is an honored tradition in which thousands of dedicated fire fighters hit the streets or storefronts asking pedestrians, motorists, customers and other passersby to make a donation to MDA, using their collective strength to help kids and adults live longer and grow stronger.”

City of Red Oak Battalion Chief Brandon Nichols said the fire fighters there are also dedicated to the campaign.

In fact, you can see those fire fighters near Interstate 35 and Ovilla Road or Red Oak Road with their boots to fill for the next few weeks.

Nichols said the Red Oak Fire Rescue has been participating in the Fill the Boot campaign for more than 15 years.

“Every single year Chief Thompson lets us take time out of our day to help those that are in need,” Nichols explained.

“As I am sure you are aware, all the money that is raised goes to help those that are suffering from Muscular Dystrophy,

“We go out in teams of nine and stand on the street corner with boot in hand hoping every person driving by will roll their window down and help with this cause.”

There are three shifts in Red Oak manning the boots; A, B, and C. Nichols says the three teams have a friendly competition to see who can raise the most money.

“It is our pleasure as firefighters to be a part of this awesome team of firefighters across the nation to help those that have these terrible diseases,” Nichols concluded.

At the Fill the Boot donors page it reads “When fire fighters Fill the Boot, they transform the lives of people affected by muscular dystrophy, ALS and related neuromuscular diseases,

“As the largest source of funding for neuromuscular disease research outside of the federal government, MDA has committed more than $1 billion since our inception to accelerate the discovery of therapies and cures.”