The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Firefighters filling the boot for good cause
Mentor firefighters took to the streets the afternoon of Aug. 23 in an effort to once again raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Pedestrians and drivers alike on Diamond Centre Drive were greeted by boot-carrying firefighters, who were collecting money to “Fill the Boot.” The collection was part of a national tradition aimed at raising funds for muscular dystrophy research, healthcare and even an MDA summer camp.
Lt. Ken Winter, who coordinates the Mentor event, said that the Mentor Fire Department previously held Fill the Boot on Center Street.
“It’s pretty busy,” Winter said, concerning Diamond Centre Drive. “We tried this on Mentor Avenue and Center Street a long time ago — too dangerous. We want to raise money for a good cause but also we’ve got to worry about our safety.”
This year, firefighters stood between a few traffic cones and the double yellow lines on Diamond Centre Drive near Emerald Court.
“There’s no competition, this is all Mentor Fire Department,” Winter said. “Today we have a part-timer out here with four other full-timers. It’s just open to all Mentor fire(fighters)
As countless cars drove past, dozens stopped to donate cash and be given a sticker from firefighters.
“People are pretty generous in Mentor,” Winter added.
According to MDA’s website, $20 million was raised by Fill the Boot in 2018, with over 100,000 firefighters taking part. The MDA has partnered with the International Association of Firefighters in the effort since 1954. The Mentor Fire Department will be collecting for MDA again on Aug. 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the same location.
The Wickliffe Fire Department has also planned a “Fill the Boot” collection for Aug. 24 from 9 a.m. to noon at their station, 29885 Euclid Ave.