by Miranda G. McLeod
Staff Writer
Firefighters in Jacksonville have been filling boots to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association for more than 50 years. On Tuesday the department received three awards from MDA and a mayoral proclamation announcing the week of Oct.24-31 Jacksonville Fire-Rescue Appreciation Week.
The annual Fill the Boot campaign, which begins next Friday, raised more than $32,000 last year. This year the goal is $50,000. The department expects to do better this year because of the high volume of traffic during the Florida-Georgia football game. More than 200 firefighters will be at 21 intersections throughout the city.
The money raised in the area stays in the area and provides medical services at local clinics and finances summer camps, research grants, support groups and public education seminars at no cost to the public.
“We are very honored to do the collection,” said Fire Chief Richard Barrett.
At the award ceremony was Jenna Coburn, 4, who was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy when she was 10 months old. She was referred to an MDA clinic and her mother Ericka Coburn, a single parent, said she couldn’t be more thankful for the personal giving of the firefighters.
“It makes a huge difference. The money goes towards Jenna’s wheelchair and leg braces which are very expensive,” said Coburn.
Knowing that Jenna will receive the care she needs regardless of family finances is comforting, she added.
MDA District Director Leslie Wildes presented the awards to the Jacksonville Association of Firefighters, Assistant Chief Randy White and Barrett. She also thanked the members for their continuous heartfelt support as well as all their hard work and effort.
The Fill the Boot campaign ends Oct. 30.