MOLINE, Ill. — As the coronavirus pandemic affects communities across the country, the International Association of Fire Fighters moved the annual Fill the Boot campaign online.
The campaign benefits the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The Moline Fire Department is collecting donations for their MDA Frontline COVID-19 Emergency Fund.
"As firefighters we kind of took the oath to help people," said Moline firefighter Cole Nicely-Green. "And one way we can do that is through our boot drive."
Nicely-Green said the International Association of Firefighters have partnered with MDA for 66 years and Moline Fire Department would like to keep that tradition alive.
"We're not giving up on our community and we're going to try and help those people as best we can," said Nicely-Green.
This year's goal for the department has been changed from $16,000 to $4,000 and runs now until Labor Day.
"Those that are fighting neuromuscular disease need a voice and we would like to be that voice for them," said Nicely-Green. "As long as we can spread the word, I think our community will pull through like we have in the past."
To donate, visit their donor drive website here.
The community can also donate by texting 'BOOT' to 24325.