City Times Staff

Stevens Point firefighters say they’ve again broken a fundraising record, thanks to the public.

Firefighter Tom Wastart said the department’s goal for the 2016 Fill the Boot campaign — a fundraiser which benefits the Muscular Dystrophy Association, a long-time favorite charity of firefighters across the country — was $16,000.

While a few remaining donations trickle in, the department currently has an official total of $16,050.57.

“We just want to thank everyone who donated this year,” Wastart said. “We had a little setback with weather last week, but seeing how much the community cares really means a lot.”

Firefighters solicited the cash donations from motorists stopped at red lights on Aug. 12 and 18 at the intersection of Division and Main streets. Wastart said nearly the entire amount raised came from passing motorists.

Wastart said funds raised during the two-day drive helps pay the medical expenses for kids affected by muscular dystrophy, along with a trip to camp for kids with special abilities. The money raised by Stevens Point firefighters stays local, he added.

In 2015, firefighters across the nation raised $22.7 million for the MDA, according to Heather Buchberger, Muscular Dystrophy Association fundraising coordinator.

“What’s really amazing about that total is the fact that MDA put $28 million just into research last year,” said Buchberger. “So the money raised by firefighters practically paid for the MDA’s research.”