On April 22, the Midland Fire Department initiated its annual Fill the Boot campaign to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). Firefighters and volunteers stationed themselves at two intersections, Midkiff Road and Wadley Avenue, as well as Midland Drive and Andrews Highway, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The campaign continues on April 24 and April 26 at the same locations.
Since its inception in 1954, the Fill the Boot program has been an integral part of raising awareness and funds for MDA, according to the MDA website. The partnership between MDA and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) promotes the search for effective treatments and therapies. IAFF designated MDA as its charity of choice, pledging to raise funds to support ongoing research and care initiatives.
The roots of Fill the Boot trace back to a group of families affected by muscular dystrophy, who approached the Boston Firefighters Local 718 for assistance. In response, firefighters took to the streets with their boots, urging the community to contribute to the cause. Through their dedication, MDA has been able to fund research leading to FDA-approved therapies for various neuromuscular diseases, according to the MDA website.