Milton Firefighters Seek Support For Virtual 'Boot Drive'

MILTON, GA — It's a proud tradition every year around this time. Milton firefighters hit the streets with boots in hand, asking generous citizens to chip in a few dollars or even loose change for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

This year, no surprise, is different. But what hasn't changed is the Milton Fire-Rescue Department's earnest commitment to support the MDA. This time, though, citizens won't deposit their dollars and dimes in a rubber boot. Instead, they're being asked to give money online and via their phones.

"Our firefighters look forward to the MDA Boot Drive every year. While that can't happen now, Milton Fire wants to do its part to support this great cause," said Milton Fire Chief Robert Edgar. "And to make a difference, we need our citizens to step up - just as they have, time and again - to help."

Want to join the campaign and change the lives of those with MDA?

Go to this link which is specifically for Milton's "Fill the Boot" drive, then click "Support Us."

Traditionally, Milton firefighters would help the MDA by asking travelers at intersections around the city if they had change to donate. In fact, firefighters around the country have been holding "Fill the Boot" drives like this for decades. Milton's campaign has long been among the most successful, per capita, around the region.

Still, due to social distancing and other factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic, this approach was no longer feasible. Instead, organizers are hosting a virtual fundraiser to support MDA families whose needs are just as real as ever.

Money raised supports the MDA, which uses it to:

• Fund research for new treatments
• Support MDA Care Centers
• And send children to MDA summer camp

To learn about firefighters long ties to the MDA, visit online. For more about Muscular Dystrophy Association itself, check out mda.org.