On July 25^th, 26^th and 27^th, members of the Portage Fire Department were out in force collecting donations from citizens and visitors passing through Portage, in an effort to raise money to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).  Firefighters and their families donate their time annually to the event by collecting donations (using a firemen’s boot) at the intersection of Shaver Road and Westnedge Ave. 

The MDA (organized in 1950) provides funding for research, and for medical and community programs as well as for educating the public about related diseases.  The MDA holds a national telethon hosted by Jerry Lewis.  Those afflicted with these diseases are referred to as Jerry’s Kids. Thousands of people suffer from and are diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy and diseases affecting the nervous and muscular system each year.

For the past 53 years, the national fire service has worked hand in hand with the organization and their attempt to fund the fight to cure Muscular Dystrophy and other neuromuscular diseases.  Governor Jennifer Granholm has proclaimed the weekend of July 25-28^th every year as “MDA/Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Fill the Boot Weekend”.  Last year alone, firefighters nationally rose over $25 million dollars for the MDA. 

This year, the Portage Fire Department raised $11,628.68 in three days of collecting.  It goes to show what a giving community Portage is; one that cares about helping those who are in need and whom are suffering.  A big “thank you” goes out to all who participated and especially to those who took the time to give.

* Those who participated: Rick and Susan Nason, Scott Dean, Fred Byrnes, John Yuhas, Jeremy Vermeer, Jimmy Kelecava, Billy Graham, Jim and Cindy Leve, Wes Baker, John Fenstra, Mike Walker, Mike Norris, Kevin Hawkey, Rob Farrell, Mark McCoy, Jamie Madison, Jim Snowden, Dave Carroll, Tim Foley, Paul Quezada and Matt Rhodes.