Arlington Heights Fire Department Wants to "Fill the Boot" on Friday

The Arlington Heights Fire Department and the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) will be having their AHFD/MDA Boot Drive on Friday May 3. Arlington Heights firefighters will be out "Filling the Boot" to raise money for MDA at major intersections in Arlington Heights.

In Arlington Heights alone, more than 30 families utilize the no-cost services provided by MDA. 

"These services prove to be very costly; this fundraiser helps these families who need them to be able to utilize therapies, equipment, wheelchairs, hoists and other items to help their loved ones," said Ted Peterson, MDA coordinator, and a 12-year veteran firefighter with the AHFD.

Look for firefighters in bright yellow shirts with the AHFD and MDA logos on them at the following intersections/areas between the times of 6:30-10:30 a.m. and 2:30-6:30 p.m. in an effort to support programs that serve individuals with Muscular Dystrophy:

• Palatine/Arlington Heights roads
• Northwest Hwy/Arlington Heights Road
• Near the Downtown Arlington Heights Train Station  

Last year, the AHFD set a record and raised more than $19,000 for MDA and this year, they are looking to beat that total with the public's help, Peterson said. 

The fire department will have rigs on display for the kids to see at the above locations. The Drive, 97.1 FM will also be out from 7-9 a.m. broadcasting live at Palatine Road and Arlington Heights Road and will provide giveaways. 

As a well-known health organization, MDA works directly with local communities. Individuals who are affected by more than 43 neuromuscular diseases are eligible to receive a vast array of services ranging from specialized health care to summer camp retreats for young adults.

MDA’s worldwide research program represents the largest single effort to advance knowledge of neuromuscular diseases and to find cures and treatments for them. Due to the direct contributions of generous individuals and organizations, all MDA services are provided at no cost to those served, Peterson said. 

This year, the Arlington Heights Fire Department will also be hosting the AHFD MDA Benefit that same night on Friday May 3 from 7-11pm at Eddie's Restaurant and Tavern at 10 E. Northwest Hwy. in downtown Arlington Heights. There will be a 50/50 raffle, along with auction for items - where 100% of the proceeds going to MDA.

This event is open to the public. Residents are encouraged to come out and support this cause and meet some of our young MDA Ambassadors and local firefighters. 

If unable to attend these events, you can go to the website at www.iafflocal3105.org/mda and learn more about MDA, and to make a secure online donation to this great cause.

You can also help by going to the Arlington Heights Ford Facebook page - when you "like" the page, now until May 5, Arlington Heights Ford will donate $2 for each "like" toward the AHFD/MDA Boot Drive.