Local Heroes Fire Up Community

The Woodbury Fire Department will be out in full force as it hits the streets at the Water Street intersection from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 4 for its annual Fill the Boot drive for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

In 2009, Firefighters raised $781. This year, their goal is to collect $800 in community donations.

“Time and again, these lifesaving heroes give so much of themselves for ‘my kids,’” MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis said. “I hope people will see their tireless dedication and be moved and inspired to do their part.”

One benefit of Firefighters’ efforts is MDA Summer Camp. It costs the nonprofit $800 to send a child, age 6-17, to camp at no charge to his or her family. Campers enjoy an activity-packed, week-long getaway as they swim, fish, play water games, make crafts and more.

Summer Camp is just one of the many services MDA offers to local families battling muscular dystrophy. The donations collected by the Firefighters will also help fund local clinics and support groups, as well as fund vital research aimed at treatments and cures for neuromuscular diseases.

 MDA is a voluntary health agency working to find treatments and cures for 43 neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive medical and community services, and far-reaching professional and public health education.