SAFD's Fill The Boot Fundraiser to Begin Wednesday Morning

SAN ANGELO, TEXAS -- Tomorrow marks the start of the annual San Angelo Fire Department's Fill the Boot for Muscular Dystrophy Association fundraiser event.

2017 marks 63 years of partnership between the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) and the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). Starting tomorrow and continuing through Friday (April 26 - 28), between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., the San Angelo Fire Department (SAFD) personnel together with the San Angelo Firefighters Association (SAFFA), will be stationed at 4 different intersections across town. The four intersections are as follows: Johnson Street and Knickerbocker Road, Sherwood Way and Avenue N, Abe and Harris, 29^th Street and Bryant Blvd.

"The SAFD and San Angelo's Local 886 Association chapter love getting to participate in this campaign that benefits such a worthy cause," said Mason Matthews, Firefighter/Paramedic with the SAFD. The Fill the Boot event gives San Angeloans a chance to donate to those who do or possibly suffer from a Muscle Disease.

Since 1954 the IAFF and the MDA have worked together to collect over $583 million to fund more than 250 research project around the world, maintain a nationwide network of 200 medical clinics, including more than 43 MDA/ALS centers for diagnostic and follow-up care. Additionally, the money collected has gone towards providing equipment repairs for those in need and has sponsored over 3,500 kids, ages 6-17, that suffer from Muscle Disease to attend over 80 summer camps.

"Anything that can be donated is gladly accepted and greatly appreciated," added Matthews, "give a penny, give $10, it all adds up and it all helps those who need it."

In 2016 the SAFD collected and donated $54,018 for the MDA, this year the fire department has set a goal of $55,000. As the firefighters are out on the streets these next few days, please stay mindful as they maneuver through traffic to collect donations. Furthermore, all personnel at the various intersections will still be on duty and in service, making them available to respond to 9-1-1 calls.  Everything that is donated will be counted and donated to the MDA at the end of the event. The SAFD, the SAFFA, the IAFF, and the MDA would like to thank everyone in the past who has donated and in advance for this year's Fill the Boot fundraiser event.