Firefighters in Muscatine standing among cars on roadways to collect donations “filling the boot,” will soon be a thing of the past.
On Friday, August 16, 2013, those firefighters held the annual fundraiser, which benefits the Muscular Dystrophy Association, for the last time, according to the Muscatine Journal. At a meeting on August 1, the City Council decided to have the firefighters conduct the fundraiser elsewhere in 2014. The move was prompted by city leaders’ concerns that they weren’t enforcing pan-handling laws equally, the report said.
While out on the streets, firefighter Dan Novak said people were very supportive, according to the report.
“One lady told me she’s got a petition going to keep us on the streets next year,” Novak said.
Firefighter, Aaron Meredith said the money that “fills the boot” goes to help local families with medical costs get braces and send their kids to Camp Courageous.
The boot drive was located at Park Ave. and Lake Park Boulevard as well as on Cedar and Eighth Streets from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, said the Muscatine Journal. Meredith said a good location might be Wal-Mart, since it is a heavily trafficked store.
“This isn’t about us,” Novak said. “We do this for the kids and everyone likes it.”