The Aurora Fire Department will be out in force this weekend as firefighters hit the streets for the annual “Fill the Boot” campaign in support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).
From September 5 – 7, firefighters will be stationed at various high-traffic locations across the city collecting donations in their boots. All proceeds go directly to MDA, supporting research, medical treatment, and essential services for individuals living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases.
While exact times and locations will vary, residents are encouraged to look for uniformed firefighters with boots in hand throughout Aurora during the three-day drive. The campaign is a long-standing tradition that showcases the department’s commitment to giving back—both on and off duty.
The partnership between the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and MDA began in 1954 and has raised hundreds of millions of dollars nationwide. Locally, the Fill the Boot program has helped provide essential resources to individuals in the Aurora area—supporting access to medications, adaptive equipment, and improved quality of life for families affected by neuromuscular conditions.
“Fill the Boot is more than just a fundraiser—it represents decades of hope, compassion, and community support,” said Aurora Fire Captain Michael Hess, who coordinates the effort annually. “The generosity we see during this campaign continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people right here in Aurora.”
In addition to in-person donations, community members can also support the campaign online at: https://filltheboot.donordrive.com/teams/18711/donate.https://filltheboot.donordrive.com/teams/18711/donate.
For more information about MDA and its mission, visit www.mda.org.
-Aurora Fire Department