Thanks to firefighters and citizens for helping to 'fill the boot' for MDA

Editor:

Martinez-Columbia Fire Rescue worked in conjunction with the Muscular Dystrophy Association the weekend of June 23-25 by participating in the nationwide "Fill-the-Boot" campaign. They asked shoppers at local businesses to help them "put out" muscular dystrophy. These brave men and women not only risk their lives everyday for the safety of Columbia County, but they also raise millions nationwide for "Jerry's kids."

The firefighters, with the help of the citizens of Columbia County, raised more than $12,000 to support children and adults with more than 40 neuromuscular diseases. The money raised benefits MDA's research and health care programs, enables us to find some 400 scientific teams and maintains 230 clinics like the one at the Medical College of Georgia. In this area, children attended MDA summer camp for a week of exciting accessible fun, thanks in part to the numerous Fire Fighters who help MDA and the people of Columbia County who "filled their boots."

There are close to 700 families in the area affected by neuromuscular disease. They invariably praise firefighters and citizens for helping improve the lives of their children and loved ones. Martinez-Columbia firefighters and the Columbia County people are heroes and their efforts are important to MDA.

I hope that the citizens of Columbia County will help MDA in thanking their county's firefighters in combating muscular dystrophy by helping them in their next "Fill-the-Boot" Drive, Aug, 25-27. Thank you, Martinez-Columbia firefighters and citizens for contributing your time and money to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Jeff Plummer

Program Coordinator

CSRA Region