ABILENE, Texas — Abilene Fire Department members are again teaming up with the Muscular Dystrophy Association for the annual Fill-the-Boot Campaign. AFD firefighters will be at both Walmart locations from Thursday, Oct. 13-Saturday, Oct. 15 to collect donations.
Firefighters have partnered with the MDA in the fight against muscle disease since 1954. The funds raised during the three day campaign go toward MDA summer camp for children, research initiatives, local clinics and support groups in the Big Country.
Every dollar raised will go directly to children and adults in the Abilene and Big Country area who are affected by neuromuscular diseases.
Many children who attend MDA’s camps look forward to this one week all year long. This is a time when these children are able to enjoy and participate in activities that are rarely available to them at any other time, an AFD release said.
Activities are modified to ensure all campers are able to participate. Camp helps break down barriers and encourage children to make lifelong connections with other children who face the same daily obstacles as each other. Summer camp would not be possible if it were not for fundraising events such as Fill the Boot.
For firefighters, Fill the Boot is a chance to help children and adults living with neuromuscular diseases, but also gives them an opportunity to positively interact with Abilene residents while not dealing with an emergency response.
