Firefighters fill up their boots for a good cause
By: Chelsea Rarrick
Updated: August 31, 2012
Instead of their normal duties, firefighters and their families in Utica
hit the streets today for the "Fill the Boot" fundraiser.
The campaign has been going on for over 50 years, and over 10 in Utica.
And despite some minor traffic hold ups in South Utica, it was all about helping others.
"We do this every year. MDA is for the Muscular Dystrophy Association for the children, and we're just raising money for the local children of MDA," said firefighter, Brian Devins.
One of the children benefiting from the boot fundraising is Stanley Kocyba.
Stanley is living with Muscular Dystrophy and will be going to camp for the first time because of the fundraiser.
"They're being nice and helping me," said Stanley.
"It's nice to know you're doing something for a good cause, you don't really hear a lot of horns beeping. You don't really hear people getting upset about it," said Devins.
In fact, for one Utica resident, it's an effort that he was thrilled to see being done by the community.
"I give them all the credit in the world, cause it's pretty hot right now. Kudos go out to all of you," said the Utica resident.
Firefighters say it's not just about filling their boots up with dollar bills, even the slightest bit of change can go a long way.
"Anything helps. Change, pennies, anything you can give, we'll take," said Devins.
And through all the hard work on the streets, Stanley has a special message to all the people out helping.
"Thank you for helping raise money," he said.
The campaign has been going on for over 50 years, and over 10 in Utica.
And despite some minor traffic hold ups in South Utica, it was all about helping others.
"We do this every year. MDA is for the Muscular Dystrophy Association for the children, and we're just raising money for the local children of MDA," said firefighter, Brian Devins.
One of the children benefiting from the boot fundraising is Stanley Kocyba.
Stanley is living with Muscular Dystrophy and will be going to camp for the first time because of the fundraiser.
"They're being nice and helping me," said Stanley.
"It's nice to know you're doing something for a good cause, you don't really hear a lot of horns beeping. You don't really hear people getting upset about it," said Devins.
In fact, for one Utica resident, it's an effort that he was thrilled to see being done by the community.
"I give them all the credit in the world, cause it's pretty hot right now. Kudos go out to all of you," said the Utica resident.
Firefighters say it's not just about filling their boots up with dollar bills, even the slightest bit of change can go a long way.
"Anything helps. Change, pennies, anything you can give, we'll take," said Devins.
And through all the hard work on the streets, Stanley has a special message to all the people out helping.
"Thank you for helping raise money," he said.
