Mobile Fire‑Rescue firefighters are out on the streets of Mobile this week, stationed with collection boots to raise money for two vital local charities: the Dumas Wesley Community Center and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The annual boot drive, a long‑standing tradition for the department, gives first responders a chance to serve their neighbors beyond emergency calls.
How the drive works
Firefighters are positioned at multiple locations across the city, accepting cash and credit‑card donations in person. Contributions can also be made online through a dedicated portal, with the campaign running through Saturday.
Impact on the Dumas Wesley Community Center
Joni Hendee, marketing and public relations director for the Dumas Wesley Community Center, explained that the funds support a range of programs. “Their dollars mean children have a place to come to after school and in the summer program,” Hendee said. “We have character‑building activities as well as educational enrichment for the children.” The center also operates a daily senior‑citizen gathering space and runs two transitional housing programs that assist women and children experiencing homelessness, both on its Mobile campus and in Baldwin County.
Supporting the Muscular Dystrophy Association
Donations are split evenly between the two organizations, with last year’s drive raising $20,000—$10,000 for each charity. Fire‑Rescue hopes to exceed that figure this year, providing additional resources for research, patient services and family support offered by the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
First‑responder perspective
Capt. Steven Millhouse, commander of Mobile Fire‑Rescue, emphasized the community‑focused spirit of the event. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for us as first responders to proactively help our communities, not just sit around and wait for life‑threatening emergencies,” Millhouse said. “We live here. We work here. These are our neighbors, our friends and partners.” He added that firefighters are “super excited to continue the tradition we’ve upheld for several decades.”
Why the boot drive matters
Beyond the immediate financial boost, the boot drive reinforces a culture of local partnership. “We have built a village around us where individuals, businesses, churches and schools come together to support our program participants,” Hendee noted. She encouraged donors to give in honor or memory of loved ones, especially during the holiday season, to help underserved families throughout Mobile.
Looking ahead
With the community’s strong response, organizers are optimistic about surpassing last year’s total and expanding the reach of both charities. The boot drive exemplifies how Mobile’s public‑safety professionals and civic groups can collaborate to uplift families, seniors and those facing health challenges.
Original reporting: FOX10 WALA Mobile (news) — read the source article.
