By By JULIE RUSSELL – The Brewton Standard
Saturday afternoon, local firefighters Jeff Salter and Jason Newby took their big, red fire truck to Wal-Mart and camped out under a tent for four hours, asking passersby for any spare change to add to their boots for the first local Fill-the-Boot program.
For many years, the Brewton and East Brewton firefighters have raised money for the American Cancer Society, but this year they shifted their focus to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).
Firefighters around the country have teamed with MDA for more than 50 years, and the cause is something important to Weaver.
Wal-Mart is also invested in the cause, and plans on matching the funds that are raised.
Bob Ellis, Nursing Director at D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital, explained that there are various forms of muscular dystrophy.
Ellis said that there is no specific treatment for any form of muscular dystrophy.
Weaver and the firemen hope to raise $2,000 during the three-day collection. They will be outside of Wal-Mart again Saturday, August 13 and Saturday, August 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Proceeds will be used locally to provide services for individuals with neuromuscular diseases – things like MDA clinics at the Rotary Rehabilitation Center in Mobile, support groups and assistance in purchasing medical equipment. Money will also go towards helping fund research to find cures for more than 40 neuromuscular diseases, as well as helping to support the MDA summer camp in Jackson Gap, Ala.
The Brewton and East Brewton fire departments will present a check of all the money raised during the September 5 Labor Day Telethon, which will air on WJTC 44 (UPN).