By Heather Curtis
WMAL.com
WASHINGTON – For the last 61 years Loudoun County Firefighters have stood by roadsides with boots collecting money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Jerry’s Kids through their Fill the Boot fundraiser, but they don’t have as many places to stand this year.
The ordinance was created to prevent panhandling by prohibiting people from standing along streets to raise money.
“We need to get a little creative. We’ve contacted businesses to request the ability to set up on the property while not violating the news sanctions imposed by the county,” fire spokesperson Laura Rinehart told WMAL.
The towns of Middleburg, Roundhill, Lovettsville, and Hamilton also stepped in to help by passing city ordinances that allow allowing firefighters to collection donations at specially marked intersections.
The money goes to help local families with Muscular Dystrophy pay medical bills.
“Your donations are the true meaning of neighbors helping neighbors,.” Fire Chief W. Keith Brower said in a press release.
The fundraiser started Friday and runs through the day Sunday. Loudoun is among several county fire departments, including Montgomery, holding Fill the Boot fundraisers this weekend.
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(Photo: Fairfax County)
