Annual Milton Boot Drive Raises $88,000 For Muscular Dystrophy

MILTON, GA — Thanks to the generosity of the Milton community, the Milton Fire-Rescue Department raised more than $88,000 during the 2019 Fill the Boot fundraising drive in support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), yet again topping their total from previous years.

Each year, firefighters collect at central Milton intersections every other Friday from April through late May, on six total collection days. The 12-year partnership has raised $832,549 to date.

The proceeds collected support groundbreaking research, education and awareness and support and services to local families. Specifically, the money helps to fund three multi-disciplinary Care Centers in Atlanta: Children's Healthcare of Atlanta MDA Clinic, Emory ALS Center and a General Clinic at Emory. Additionally, the funds help to send 100 local children to summer camp at Camp Twin Lakes in Rutledge, Georgia.

"Each year, this community outdoes itself with its generosity," said Milton Mayor Joe Lockwood. "We are a community that has a giving spirit, and we are a community that loves its public safety personnel. It's always an honor to recognize those who put their lives on the line for us each day, for their extraordinary commitment to our community, and to those in need."

The Mayor and members of the Milton City Council issued a proclamation formally recognizing the fire department for their philanthropic commitment to Georgia families affected by neuromuscular diseases, including muscular dystrophies and ALS. Several local MDA families attended the council meeting to personally express their appreciation for the department's boot drive efforts.

More than 1,900 Fill the Boot events take place nationally, with more than $20 million raised annually by firefighters. In Georgia, there were 61 boot drives with a total of $566,719 raised. Firefighters are MDA's largest sponsor, with a fill-the-boot tradition that dates back to 1952, said Angela SImmons, Executive Director of MDA's Atlanta office.

The Milton campaign is the second-largest in Georgia, second only to Warner Robins, which has a population of 75,000.

"Every year, we're overwhelmed by the support this community gives to our fire department, and to those in need," said Fire Chief Robert Edgar. "It's an honor for each one of us to serve the City of Milton and its residents."