'Fill the Boot' Campaign Begins

It's that time of year again, when Newport's firefighters take to the streets for their annual "Fill the Boot" campaign, benefiting muscular dystrophy.

Newport firefighters will be out Friday through Monday collecting money for the cause. Firefighter Sean Obrebski told Patch that the fundraiser's success varies from year to year, but 2009 was a particularly low year for the department. They're hoping more people will reach out to them on the streets this weekend.

"I know economic times are tough, but the more people that are aware, it makes up for the past," Obrebski said.

Firefighters will be stationed outside their headquarters on America's Cup Avenue; on Bellevue Avenue and Touro Street by their station there; and out around Rogers High near their Old Fort Road station.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association is the main charity of the firefighters' parent union, the International Association of Firefighters. In addition to their "Fill the Boot" campaign, Newport firefighters Local 1080 also sponsor an annual Ski Muster at Wachusett Mountain and a golf tournament, which was held in Portsmouth in August.