Firefighters Want You To Help "Fill The Boot" For MDA

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – With the Labor Day holiday just around the corner, Miami-Dade firefighters kicked off their annual Muscular Dystrophy Association's "Fill The Boot" campaign on Monday.

All firefighters throughout the county will be manning street corners, boots in hand, through Friday August 31st asking for donations to help support MDA.

This year Coral Gables Local 1210 has set a goal of ten thousand dollars. If the goal is reached thirteen MDA children and their counselors will be able to attend the MDA sponsored summer camp. The camp offers a wide range of programs for youngsters ages 6-17 who are affected by neuromuscular disease.

Campers attend week long sessions organized by MDA volunteers and staff. Camp activities are geared to the abilities of campers and may include fishing, swimming, horseback riding, boating, field hockey and baseball. Less physically demanding activities include arts and crafts, nature study, talent shows, cookouts and entertainment. The primary responsibility of each counselor is to provide both physical and psychological support to his/her camper, thereby helping him/her to enjoy camp.

"I am excited about working with Coral Gables Local 1210 again this year!" said MDA Executive Director Joanne Bowsman. "All its members did a fantastic job during last year's FTB drive and helped raised more than eight thousand dollars - close to a two thousand dollar increase from the previous year! I am confident that with the community's support they will be able to surpass this year's goal."

The annual MDA Telethon, which this year has been cut down to three hours, will air on Sept. 2nd on WBFS/MyTV33 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.