Donations go toward the Muscular Dystrophy Association in a partnership dating to 1952.
By Eric Thomas / Special to The Malibu Times
The Los Angeles County Fire Department raised nearly $20,000 in Malibu last week to support the fight against muscular dystrophy as part of its “Fill the Boot” campaign. That’ll fill lots of footwear.
Firefighters and volunteers could be seen standing at the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Webb Way in full emergency regalia, replete with fire helmets and clutching rubber boots. Motorists and passersby contributed checks and money to the boots to go toward the Muscular Dystrophy Association in a partnership that dates back more than 50 years.
Megan Berry, MDA Director of Business Development, told The Malibu Times the partnership between the L.A. County Fire Department and MDA started in 1952.
The Muscular Dystrophy Association is a national health agency comprised of scientists and concerned citizens working together to conquer neuromuscular diseases affecting more than a million Americans. The nonprofit organization provides a number of services including comprehensive health care, advocacy and education, according to its official statement.
The 2012 “Fill the Boot” campaign marked the sixth year the two agencies had combined in this particular fundraiser. Malibu was one of dozens of different locations that saw firefighters in uniform collecting donations from motorists and pedestrians.
“The ‘Fill the Boot’ campaign is something we have done for a long time and I am proud to be a part of it,” said firefighter Craig Doolittle. “It is for a great cause and it helps a lot of families.”
Fanning out through the streets from Tuesday through Thursday last week, local volunteers and firefighters raised $16,449.69, said Berry. So far contributions are around $248,000 countywide, just shy of last year’s total of $257,000.
The collected donations help support neuromuscular disease research, healthcare for MDA clinic clients and send kids with neuromuscular diseases to MDA summer camp. The camp offers campers activities such as horseback riding, swimming, adaptive sports, arts and crafts, and camp dances in a safe environment.
The MDA accepts donations toward the campaign all year long. Checks with a “Fill the Boot” memo can be made out to the Muscular Dystrophy Association and mailed to 3415 South Sepulveda Blvd. Ste. 550, Los Angeles, CA 90034.