The Lynchburg Fire Department is once again collecting money through their fill-the-boot campaign, according to WFXR reporter Michael Doti.
The fill-the-boot campaign has been happening for 22 years, according to WFXR. The purpose of the event is to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), which is a nonprofit organization aimed at “accelerating research” and “advancing care” for individuals who have “muscular dystrophy, ALS and related neuromuscular diseases,” according to the MDA website. Mayo Clinic defines muscular dystrophy as “a group of diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass.”
The Lynchburg Fire Department’s goal is to raise $60,000 this year. Strategic communications specialist for the Lynchburg Fire Department Steve Smallshaw said that they raised $53,000 last year, according to WFXR. For individuals who wish to donate to the cause, “cash or checks will be accepted,” according to WFXR. Another option to donate is through the Fill-the-Boot website at www.filltheboot.donordrive.com.
Smallshaw told WFXR that some members of the Lynchburg Fire Department “have lost family members to diseases like ALS, or they have a child who was born with a neuromuscular disease.” He said that the Lynchburg Fire Department is passionate about continuing the fill-the-boot challenge because of the department’s personal connections to the effects of MDA.
According to WFXR, firefighters from the Lynchburg Fire Department will be “stationed throughout Hill City holding their boots out for anyone to come by and donate.”
The Lynchburg Fire Department posted to its Facebook that the drive will take place from Oct. 19-27 at various locations around Lynchburg.
Sturek is the campus news editor for the Liberty Champion.
