Fill the Boot Drive Just Around the Corner

Tampa area residents should be on the lookout for firefighters standing with their boots out.

That’s right, the annual boot drive to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association is just around the corner. And, since this is the 60th year Tampa Fire Rescue, the IAFF Local 754 and MDA have teamed up, there are some special events planned.

This year’s drive starts Oct. 1 at 9:30 a.m. at City Hall when Mayor Bob Buckhorn plans to read a proclamation marking the 60-year partnership. The actual boot drive takes place Oct. 12 and 26 and Nov. 9 near Raymond James Stadium.

“Throughout 2014 MDA and fire fighters are celebrating 60 years of proud partnership, joined together in the fight against life-threatening muscle disease,” MDA Executive Director Erin Authier was quoted in a Tampa Fire Rescue press release as saying. “Firefighters do more for MDA and the families we serve than any other group.”

Authier said Tampa’s firefighters go above and beyond.

“In the Tampa area, they spend countless hours every year participating in Fill the Boot drives and at MDA Summer Camp,” Authier was quoted as saying. “We’re grateful for the support of these inspiring, selfless individuals who have made a profound impact on our families’ health, wellbeing and quality of life.”
More than 620 members of the Tampa Firefighters, IAFF Local 754 are expected to take part in this year’s boot drive. Money raised during the event helps support research, specialized health care services and support for MD patients. In addition, some of the money funds sending kids with muscular dystrophy and other related diseases to The Rotary Camp in Brandon for a week each summer.

For more information about the Muscular Dystrophy Association, visit its website.

Photo Credit: Patch File Photo of a boot drive.