Millstone firefighters fill boots with $3,000
Money raised will support Muscular Dystrophy Association
BY JENNIFER KOHLHEPP
Staff Writer

MILLSTONE - These boots were made for walking, but they collect money, too.

Millstone Township Uniformed Firefighters Local No. 4388 used their work boots to participate in a fundraiser called "Fill the Boot" on Saturday, April 7. Money raised during the event will benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

Union President Michael Maloney said, "We are thrilled with the relationship that we have created with MDA. This cause has become even more important to us after meeting Anna and her family."

Millstone has been proactive in "adopting" the New Jersey State Goodwill Ambassador for MDA, 8-year-old Anna Landre, of Howell, who has spinal muscular atrophy type 2. Anna recently visited the local fire station and spent time with Millstone firefighters.

The Millstone Township Uniformed Firefighters are members of the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF). The IAFF is the largest national sponsor of MDA, raising millions of dollars every year for more than 50 years.

The MDA is a voluntary health agency and dedicated partnership between scientists and concerned citizens aimed at conquering neuromuscular diseases that affect more than a million Americans. MDA combats 43 neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, medical and community services, and far-reaching professional and public health education.

During "Fill the Boot," local firefighters went with their boots to the outlet stores in Jackson and the Wawa in Millstone on Route 537 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to ask passersby to give money to help firefighters in their support of MDA.

That day, Millstone firefighters collected almost $3,000. They were joined in their efforts by members of Monmouth/Ocean Professional Firefighters Local No. 3874, which represents firefighters from Jackson, Howell and Plumsted.

Maloney said the firefighters will go out two more times this summer to collect for the association. All the money raised will help send Monmouth and Ocean County children who are affected with neuromuscular diseases to MDA Summer Camp, which takes place during the last week of August in Spring Valley, N.Y.

Funds raised through the MDA's events help provide services including expert medical care at MDA clinics and assistance with repairing and purchasing equipment such as wheelchairs. The MDA also funds hundreds of top scientists worldwide who are seeking treatments and cures.

"We are looking forward to continuing our fundraising efforts and attending Summer Camp for the first time in August," Maloney said. "We are also looking forward to supporting other endeavors in the local community as well."

For more information about MDA, call (732) 936-9940.