The annual "Fill the Boot" drive is going on this week in Rhinelander to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
With the influx of visitors, the City of Rhinelander Fire Department Local 1028 hits the streets to raise money for kids with muscular dystrophy. Fundraising Coordinator Taylor Lodewegen says MDA has partnered with the Firefighters Association for more than 60 years....
"....we partner with firefighters all over the country to help "Fill the Boot" for our MDA programs and much-needed research for our adults and kids with muscular dystrophy...."
Lodewegen says the firefighters are literally 'boots on the ground'....
"....The Rhinelander Department is at Hodag(Country Fest), so they stand by the entrances of the festival and they have their boots in hand and the people are giving the change that they have right into the boot...."
She says the money goes to research and the MDA Care Centers, including locations in Marshfield and Green Bay. There's also a program to loan out medical equipment, and a summer camp program for kids that is free for their families. She praised the Rhinelander department's efforts....
"...Since 2001, they have raised over $126,000. That's huge. They have essentially sent 63 kids to our MDA Summer Camp or have funded a quarter of one of the research projects. The Rhinelander Department is doing an incredible job...."
The firefighters will be out Thursday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
