Mount Pulaski muscular dystrophy event to serve local families      

[AUG. 23, 2005]  MOUNT PULASKI -- Mount Pulaski Volunteer Firefighters and EMS departments will be hitting the streets on behalf of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. From 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, these volunteer departments will be participating in MDA's "Fill the Boot" drive. "Fill the Boot" is a nationwide fundraising event in which firefighter and EMS departments stand in intersections with their boots so that motorists may give their dollars to help support local families battling neuromuscular diseases.

There will be two downtown "Fill the Boot" locations: First National Bank of Mount Pulaski, located at 205 E. Jefferson St., and Farmer's Bank, located at 130 S. Washington St.

Citizens are encouraged to support these brave men and women who are taking the time to better the lives of others.

Who: Mount Pulaski Fire Department and EMS

What: Muscular Dystrophy Association's "Fill the Boot"

When: Saturday, Aug. 27

Where: Downtown Mount Pulaski

"This is the first year Mount Pulaski has joined us, and we couldn't be happier to have them," said Cynthia McGill, program coordinator for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. "They have been great to work with, and I'm excited to see this relationship grow. They have been challenged by the Elkhart Volunteer Fire Department, which raised $500 last year. I have faith that the residents of Mount Pulaski will see their department land on top."

The Muscular Dystrophy Association is a voluntary health agency working to defeat neuromuscular diseases through worldwide research, comprehensive services, and far-reaching professional and public health education. In addition to funding groundbreaking research, the association provides individuals affected by muscle degenerating diseases with wheelchair and leg brace assistance, as well as clinics and summer camp for younger patients.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association is the first nonprofit organization recognized by the American Medical Association with a Lifetime Achievement Award "for significant and lasting contributions to the health and welfare of humanity."

All the money raised by the Mount Pulaski firefighters and EMS personnel will serve local families in the Mount Pulaski community.

[News release]