Milton Fire raises $48,715 for MDA.

Milton Fire Department second in state for fundraising

MILTON, GA., Sept. 29, 2010 - The Milton Fire Department raised $48,715.17 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) over a month's worth of "Fill the Boot" drives, it was revealed today.

Milton's firefighters were second only to the Warner Robbins Fire Department, which raises money throughout the year, said Angela Brown, Fundraiser Coordinator for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. With the total, Milton topped more than 70 departments throughout the state.

Even in a battered economy, Milton's citizens gave more than in the previous drive, beating last year's $48,000 total. In just four years, the City of Milton Fire Department has raised more than $161,000 for MDA, which uses the money to aid local children and adults affected by neuromuscular diseases by providing wheelchairs, leg braces, clinic visits, support groups and a chance for children to attend Camp Walk-N-Roll.

"Milton firefighters are truly heroes for MDA," said Brown. "The dedication and heart they have while collecting on the streets during some of the hottest days of the summer is extraordinary. MDA is so thankful to have their support."

Milton Fire Chief Robert Edgar said each of the three shifts in Milton's fire service competed against each other to raise the most money. The victors, A shift, received this year's trophy for the most money collected in one day after raising $12,600, he said.

"I am very proud of our firefighters for joining their peers across the nation in the annual MDA 'Fill the Boot' drive," said Edgar. "It was certainly a selfless act by Milton firefighters, who endured extreme temperatures."

But they couldn't have done it without the passing motorists who gave what they could.

"This year's success is also due to the generosity of our citizens and visitors of the City of Milton," he said. "Thank you to all."