Traditional Fill the Boot

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically affected fire fighters’ efforts to Fill the Boot for MDA over the last few years. Despite restrictions, many Locals/Depts are planning to conduct intersection or storefront collections. To help you prepare, we have put together a toolkit of information to help. We ask that you adhere to local public health guidelines and focus on safety for everyone involved.

Secure Your Dates & Order Supplies

MDA Fill the Boot Coordinator Role & Best Practices

Thank you for taking on the role of MDA Coordinator. You are going to lead the charge in organizing fundraising and education efforts for MDA in your Local or Department. This toolkit will help walk you through the key logistics to consider when organizing this program. Your main objectives are to:

Work with MDA staff to educate Local and Department members on MDA’s Impact
Work with Local/Department Leadership on logistics to organize your fundraising efforts.
Facilitate competition among stations/shifts.
Maintain contact with MDA staff and work together on logistics outlined below.

MDA Coordinator Resources

Getting Started

Planning Checklist
Permits & Anti-panhandling Ordinances
- If your municipality or collection site requires a solicitation permit, additional insurance, or has an anti-panhandling ordinance in place, please contact your MDA Director so we can help. Allow 6-8 weeks for permit applications and insurance requests.
- All active and retired Fire Fighters, Cadets, Fire Fighters in training, EMTs, and military personnel while volunteering on behalf of MDA are covered by a blanket accident insurance policy. No civilians are covered and are not authorized to do street solicitations including family members, children, or MDA staff.
- You can download a copy of the Certificate of Insurance to share with your city/municipality. If you get any requests to have the fire department named as additional insured, please reach out to your MDA Director.
Safety Plan
Deposit Instructions
Supplies
- Order Supplies - can take up to 6-8 weeks to be delivered
- Customizable Fill the Boot Flyer
Cashless Donations
- You can quickly create a QR code to have on hand for your Boot Drives that will allow people to donate by credit card, ApplePay, GooglePay, PayPal or Amazon Pay. Funds donated through your link will be credited directly to your Local's online fundraising page. This is a great solution for anyone that doesn’t have cash during your collection.

Media/Communication Resources

Press Release Template

Social Media Images & Resources

COVID-19 Resources & Social Distancing Options

If your Local/Dept needs to modify how you do Fill the Boot based on COVID-19 restrictions or administration policies, we have identified a few options that have been successful in many areas of the country. Parking Lot Collections and Drive Thru Collections allow for social distancing measures and still allow your Local/Dept to raise funds for MDA.

Access COVID-19 Resources