TRAVERSE CITY -- The Traverse City Fire Department Local 646 members will be stationed along the sidewalks of union street and front street this evening holding out their boots! They are collecting money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association as part of their "Fill the Boot" campaign.
Last year, Local 646 raised over two thousand dollars for the MDA - which uses the money to send local children to a week-long camp downstate.
This year they hope to raise more. Nathan McKerchie, a firefighter paramedic, said "Until it actually happens, that's when it really hits home. I just, I put myself - I have three little girls- I like to put myself in their shoes and just wonder what it'd be like. A lot of us are very fortunate and we just want to help people who are less fortunate."
The firefighters will be walking downtown Saturday from 11-3 and will accept donations at the fire station at any time. They will also be taking donations at their picnic next Saturday (12-3pm August 18th).