CITY FIREFIGHTERS TO "FILL THE BOOT" IN FIGHT AGAINST MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY
Harrisburg, PA – Mayor Stephen R. Reed, joined by officials from the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the International Association of Firefighters Local #428, today announced that City firefighters will again conduct the "Fill-the-Boot" campaign this Summer, during which City firefighters voluntarily staff busy City intersections seeking donations for the fight against Muscular Dystrophy.
Reed said the annual event, now in its 56th consecutive year, raised more than $18,000.00 for MDA last year. This year, firefighters have set a goal of $20,000.00. Monies raised during the fund drive provide the Muscular Dystrophy Association with desperately needed funding for research, treatment and services, all of which are provided free of charge to victims and their families.
"We salute the members of the Harrisburg Fire Bureau and all those who contribute to this worthy effort," said the Mayor. "Your charitable efforts go a long way towards easing the suffering and frustration that those touched by this disease must contend with on a daily basis.
"Our special acknowledgement is also extended to Morgan Hevel and her family, and the many members, staff, supporters and others associated with MDA. Your example inspires all of us."
The Mayor said the annual Fill-the-Boot Campaign is this year slated for several upcoming dates this month and in August. During the special collection days, firefighters will be stationed with empty boots at heavily-traveled downtown City intersections to gather donations from passing motorists. Donations get placed in the boots and are turned over to the MDA. "We urge citizens to give generously and wanted motorists to know that when they see firefighters in uniform at intersections, holding boots in their hands, they are there legitimately," Reed said.
Reed said the Muscular Dystrophy Association is a voluntary health agency aimed at conquering more than 40 neuromuscular diseases that affect over a million Americans each year. MDA combats neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive local services and far-reaching professional and public health education. MDA is funded almost entirely by individual, private voluntary contributions and seeks no fees from those it serves.
He said the MDA is the largest nongovernmental sponsor of neuromuscular disease research, having allocated over $37 million for over 350 research projects in 2007 alone. Locally, MDA funds a variety of services and research projects, including an MDA clinic at the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and an MDA summer camp in Lebanon, PA.
For more information about MDA, please visit www.mda.org or call the Harrisburg District Office at (717) 540-4316.
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