‘Fill the Boot’ Oct. 1
Published 7:56 am Friday, September 30, 2016
Get your dollars out Saturday, because it’s boot drive time again.
The Bogalusa Fire Department is once again partnering with the Muscular Dystrophy Association for their fall “Fill the Boot” drive. From 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, firefighters will be at the intersection of Avenue B and Willis Avenue, collecting cash for area residents suffering from the debilitating disease.
The genetic disease usually begins in childhood and it cannot be cured, but there are treatments available, including therapy, surgery or aids like wheelchairs. Kayla Falgout, the senior fundraising coordinator with the regional Muscular Dystrophy Association, said whatever money comes from the southeast Louisiana area stays here.
“Our district office covers over 1,000 families in 22 parishes,” she said. “We’re excited to partner with Bogalusa in the fall because they’re such a wonderful department and the community is so supportive.”
Overall, Falgout said the organization hopes to raise $100,000 within this area, and $10,000 in Bogalusa on Saturday.
This is not the only MDA event the Bogalusa Fire Department hosts. Falgout said Bogalusa firefighters also hold a softball tournament in the spring and they host a boot drive then as well.
“Each year, Bogalusa firefighters dedicate countless hours of their time participating in the ‘Fill the Boot’ drives and at the MDA Summer Camp,” said fundraising coordinator Chase Miller, in a press release. “We’re grateful for their steadfast drive and uncommon caring toward the kids and adults we serve and look forward to working together once again to make this ‘Fill the Boot’ season a huge success.”