Firefighters take to streets, collecting for MDA’s benefit
Published 7:00 am Tuesday, April 30, 2019
- Nicole Turvey, development director for the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Southeast Texas, announces the 2019 ‘Fill the Boot’ campaign, in which Port Arthur firefighters were to participate, starting Tuesday. (Ken Stickney/The News)
Local firefighters will launch efforts on behalf of the Muscular Dystrophy Association starting Tuesday. That’s when members of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 397 will collect donations at Port Arthur intersections as part of the Fill the Boot campaign.
Nicole Turvey, MDA development director, said Monday that the firefighters’ efforts nationally have generated $650 million in contributions since 1954. The campaign turns 65 this year, but it’s not ready to retire.
Turvey said that firefighters in Port Arthur, Nederland, Port Neches, Bridge City and Beaumont are among those who contribute in Southeast Texas. Port Arthur generally aims to collect $10,000 a year, although contributions have dipped to $8,000 in 2017 and $6,000 in 2018.
Capt. Gary Miguez, local president of the IAFF, said some 70-80 members of the 107-member department participate in the event. This year, firefighters will collect April 30, May 3 and May 6. Rain or back-up dates are May 17, 21 and 24. Firefighters from seven stations will collect for two hours in the morning, two hours in the afternoon.
Turvey said that money goes to good effect.
“The IAFF and MDA are now collaborating on a campaign to encourage states to expand newborn screening programs by adding tests for specific neuromuscular disorders so that all newborns with these conditions can have the best possible chance at receiving the care and support services they need as early as possible,” she said. “We are partnering with our Texas IAFF on this incredible screening program.”
She said MDA supports a network of multidisciplinary clinics that provide “best-in-class care” at more than 150 hospitals. Port Arthur families — 23 families here are affected — use three facilities in Houston. Children go to Texas Children’s Hospital there.
MDA has dedicated some $800,000 to research in Southeast Texas.
MDA also supports recreational programs at no cost to families.
“Our local camp is located in Burton, Texas and 100 kids go to camp each year,” she said. “Dozens are from the Port Arthur area.”
She said that other fundraisers include a clay shoot in Lumberton and efforts by Market Basket in Nederland, which generated $16,000 last month.
