New Hanover Co. tops the state in funds raised during Fill the Boot campaign

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — New Hanover County firefighters hit the streets and raised $46,340.55 during the 2017 Fill the Boot campaign, the largest grossing campaign in all of North Carolina, according to the MDA.

The funds raised between November 15 and 18 will help kids and adults with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related life-threatening diseases.

“The fire fighters of New Hanover County Fire Rescue have once again shown their immense dedication and care for MDA’s families during this year’s Fill the Boot campaign,” said MDA Associate Executive Director Liz Shirley. “This year’s Fill the Boot was a success and we are grateful for the generosity of those in the New Hanover County community who have helped individuals with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related muscle-debilitating diseases truly live unlimited.”

Fire fighters have taken part in MDA’s Fill the Boot tradition for more than 60 years, hitting the streets or storefronts asking pedestrians, motorists, customers and others to make a donation to MDA.

Funds raised help MDA’s efforts to fund groundbreaking research and life-enhancing programs such as support groups and Care Centers, including the MDA Care Center at UNC-Chapel Hill and DUKE.

They also help send more than 65 local kids to “the best week of the year” at MDA Summer Camp at no cost to their families at Camp Hanes in King, NC.