‘Fill the Boot’ falls short of 2019 goal

By Brandi Makuski

Stevens Point firefighters have wrapped up another year of “Fill the Boot” fundraising for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Off-duty and retired firefighters from SPFD spent two days at the intersections of Division/Main and Divison/Clark streets last week soliciting donations of cash and loose change from motorists at the stoplight.

Typically, the group exceeds its expected fundraising total, but this year, the group fell a little short of its $19,000 goal.

Firefighter/Paramedic Tom Wastart, who organizes the event each year, said donations totaled $17,251.20.

“We didn’t meet our goal, but that’s okay—it’s still a lot of money to raise in two days,” Wastart said. “We have an amazing community, and it helps a lot of kids who really need it.”

Wastart said the donations all go to the MDA, which funds research for those affected by muscular dystrophy, and helps pay for a special summer camp for kids with the disease.