WINONA LAKE — The Winona Lake Fire Department boasts more than just heroes against fires. Firefighters with the volunteer department are also fighting to support those with muscular dystrophy through support of the Fort Wayne Muscular Dystrophy Association.

For over 30 years, firefighters with the Winona Lake Volunteer Fire Department have been hosting a “boot filling” fundraiser. According to event organizers J.W. Anderson and Carson Kintzel, this year’s event began at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 2. Though the weather was dismal, through the support of the community, and perseverance of volunteers, firefighters were able to raise an estimated $2,000.

Anderson and Kintzel both extended a huge thank you to the community, which they noted provided not only funds for MDA, but acts of kindness and support for firefighters as well. One special moment of the day occurred when a young girl brought firefighters a card thanking them for their service. The same girl returned with a donation for MDA later.

When asked why firefighters have continued this fundraiser each year, Anderson noted “Basically, we feel this is a great need for the community.” Anderson noted firefighters are passionate about the cause but are also passionate about making a difference in their community. “The event gives us the opportunity to be more known in the community and allows us to be friendly with community members. We get to be in the community not just as firemen but also as people who are members of that community.”

Donation locations were set at the intersection at Kings Highway and Wooster Road, as well as CR 250E and Wooster Road.

Anderson gave a big thank you to Kintzel for stepping up as an organizer this year. Due to other obligations, Anderson, who normally does the organizing for the event, passed the torch to Kintzel this year. Working on a tight schedule, Anderson commended Kintzel’s work to ensure the event could still happen while taking into account volunteers schedules and availability.

Both Anderson and Kintzel had very warm words for both the community and even InkFreeNews for assisting in publicizing the event.

“I would like to say thank you to the community for their generosity and support,” stated Kintzel. “We appreciate everything they do for the community and for the Winona Lake Fire Department.”

“Thank you to the community and InkFreeNews,” stated Anderson warmly. “And a big thank you to the guys in the department. We appreciate our staff and the generosity of those involved.”

All proceeds raised from the donation event will benefit MDA. Those who missed the opportunity to provide a donation may still do so by emailing [email protected]. WLFD is staffed entirely by volunteers.