LIMA, Ohio – This week, Lima firefighters will be out on the streets helping to improve people’s lives in another way.
Members of the Lima Fire Department Local 334 will hold their annual Fill the Boot campaign outside Station 3 at the corner of Robb Avenue and North West Street beginning Thursday, August 21, and running through Saturday, August 23. The money raised goes to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Last year, the department made its largest donation yet, $16,000.
Firefighters are asking the public to place cash and coins in their boots or scan the QR code to make a donation later. Around one in every 5,000 people suffers from muscular dystrophy, and for some members of the Lima Fire Department, the mission to help fight the disease was personal.
“It became personal to me.” I began assisting before realizing my mother-in-law had ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, a type of muscular dystrophy. There are 43 types of muscular dystrophy, and she ended up with one. And it just hit home,” said Jeremy Welker, a retired Lima Firefighter.
The public can help Fill the Boot by visiting firefighters at the intersection of Robb Avenue and North West Street. Collections will take place Thursday, August 21, and Friday, August 22, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, August 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
All proceeds benefit the MDA, which helps people with muscular dystrophy live longer, happier lives.
