Fill the Boot

T

TexasFirefighter

100+ Posts
How many people know that when we are out on the street corners, asking for donations, we're not collecting for the "fire department" but rather raising money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association?

I know when I was growing up I always thought the donations went to the firefighters. So when I'm out at Riverside and I-35 I try to thank people for "helping Jerry's kids" so they don't think they're being misled.

How well known/obvious is it that we're not begging for money for ourselves. That we're out there (some against our will) to raise money for charity?

Also, anyone see/hear me and my crew member playing the bagpipes yesterday during rush hour?
 
Great cause, It's awesome for you guys to give your time for this. I treat a couple of patients with MD and the disease varies in its severity but overall sucks. Keep up the good work. I would hope most people would not think you are out on the corners raising money for a pool table at the station.
 
I've always known it was for charity, never considered it might be for firefighters though collecting for a good fund for those families who lose loved ones would make sense.
 
I know it's for charity.

I hope you know I drive through your intersection about 4 times a day, traveling to & from work. Having already given once, please don't be offended when I don't give every time I'm stopped at your intersection.
 
I thought it was for the firefighters. I actually had no problem with that, either. I would have given, but every time I was in an intersection, It wasn't a good spot for me to give a firefighter money.
 
Even if it did go to firefighters, why would that be bad? Unless you were using it for hooker and beer... actually, that would be awesome.
 
As a parent of a 9 year old daughter with Muscular Dystrophy, I Thank You TexasFireFighter (as well as all the firefighters) for all that you all do for kids and adults with MD. Many thanks also go out to the millions of donors who help "Fill the Boot."

We received my daughter's MD diagnosis about 2 years ago. She is doing well and is still mobile, but it is a slow degradation and she lives in some amount of pain daily. She also requires a wheelchair for long jaunts as she just doesn't have the stamina to walk more than about 1/4 mile at a time. You wouldn't believe how tough and resilient these kids are, they are an inspiration to all of us.

MDA does so many great things with your donations. First and foremost is fund research to find a cure. MDA also sends affected kids to summer camp for one week each summer, my daughter went for the first time this past summer and had a blast, she can't wait to go back, plus it gives us a small break from the daily caregiving, and yes it can still be substantial for a child with MD that is still mobile. Lastly, MDA helps families cover the costs associated with the disease that aren't covered by insurance. Even with good insurance, the medical bills can be astounding, especially when it comes to equipment like wheelchairs. We have been direct recipients of this type of assistance and I can't tell you how helpful this is.

Unfortunately, it took my daughter's diagnosis for my wife and I to become intimately involved with the MDA. They've been so good to us and my daughter that we feel it is our duty to help fundraise for them and give back. I am proud to say that we have raised in excess of $15K in two years for MDA.

So a heartfelt THANK YOU to TexasFireFighter, all firefighters, and all of you donors out there!
 
I LOVE when the firefighters are out collecting for charity! I love a man in uniform!! I donate every time!!! Great cause also!
 
I am all for charity and what y'all do but I wish you could get the hell out of the road. Same as the bums or homeless people. I cannot think of an alternative and don't want the charity to go without so I guess we have to suck it up.

But the cops constantly stop many homeless from panhandling and this is no different when you consider what premise the cops take action on. Bake sale? j/k
 
Catfishhorn. That's an awesome post. Thank you for helping to explain where the donations go. I'm so sorry to hear how directly your family has been affected by this horrible disease. We had a firefighter in AFD diagnosed with MD several years ago and I think it took that tough experience to get other firefighters involved. My thoughts are with you and yours.

loop, you're not alone wishing we didn't have to panhandle along with the bums. It's dangerous and annoying. However, it is the best way to get a good cross section of the population involved. Throwing a "fundraiser" just doesn't reach as many people as standing on a street corner during rush hour.

And Perham...sure it's a solicitation...if that'll get you to donate
Although, AFD is done with FTB for this year. catch another local FD.
smile.gif
 
OP,

1. Always known this.

2. I grew up in S. Florida, and IIRC, the fire fighters down there also 'filled the boot' for MDA. Is this a national cause?
 
I hear ya Txfire. I hate seeing some of the close calls y'all are in sometimes all to get some change. Too bad a huge party or concert could not get it done. Good luck with the drive this year.
 
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