Every year, the Rapid City Fire Department can be found outside local grocery stores holding the sole of their shoes with the hope that community members will drop donations into the boots.
Firehouses across the world participate in this fundraising project, coined the "Fill the Boot" campaign.
The funds gathered by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) go directly to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, according to the Rapid City Fire Department. To date, the IAFF has helped over 250,000 individuals living with muscular dystrophy maintain access to care, and has funded research into medical solutions.
This year, the Rapid City Fire Department will begin their fundraising on May 24 and continue through May 26. This year's locations include Walmart on North Lacrosse Street, Walmart on Stumer Road, Family Fare on East Saint Patrick Street, Safeway on Mountain View Road, and Omaha Street and East Boulevard Intersection.
“Rapid City Fire always displays an unwavering support for MDA year after year, raising critical funds and awareness to help our families get the care they need. They also lead the Midwest for most money raised in 2021 and 2022," says Regional Director of Fire Fighter Partnerships Elizabeth Nelson. "We are so thankful for their continued commitment to cure neuromuscular diseases and to protect everyone on the frontlines in our community.”
While their website lists the goal as $1,000, they raised over $66,000 in 2022.
For more information about the Rapid City Fire Department’s charity work, visit https://filltheboot.donordrive.com/team/rapidcityfire.
