September 4, 2019 - WDSU
Firefighters in Jefferson and Orleans Parishes compete to collect the most donations
The Fill the Boot campaign to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association officially kicks off in metro New Orleans this week. This year, there is a new twist. Louisiana State Rep. Stephanie Hilferty, of District 94 challenged fire departments from Orleans and Jefferson Parish to the first Battle of the Boot, to see which parish can raise the most money. Hilferty said it's a cause close to her heart. She said her cousin was born with Muscular Dystrophy and lived more than a decade longer than expected because of research funded through MDA.
In June, Louisiana legislators passed the Rivers Lacrouts Charitable Solicitation Act to allow firefighters and first responders to continue to be able to collect donations for charitable organizations, despite city or parish solicitation laws, if the organization meets certain criteria.