Firefighters find success filling the boot for MDA

Havre firefighters raised a record $13,356 during its Fill the Boot campaign Friday.

Firefighters stood on various street corners in downtown Havre with a boot and asked motorists passing by to contribute to the campaign to fight Muscular Dystrophy.

"That is by far the most we have ever collected," said DJ Olson, a member of the International Association of Fire Fighters and organizer of the event.

He said advance publicity helped out. When they stopped cars, people knew what was going on and were ready to donate, he said.

"It was Fossil Festival weekend, so I think more people were in town," he said.

"Most people think it's a good cause, and they are willing to help out," Olson said. "There's always one in 10."

The

Kallenberger family, which has two children with muscular dystrophy, was again the guest of honor, and they were on hand for the collection, Olson said.

The money goes toward research and to help families with the disease, he said.

"We are so grateful to the community for their donations," Olson said. "The community was very generous."

IAFF participates in the muscular dystrophy drive nationwide, raising millions of dollars for the fight against the disease.