Traditionally noted for the end of the summer vacations, Labor Day is almost upon us. As you travel through area towns, you might notice firefighters holding out firefighter boots for the annual Labor Day MDA Telethon for Jerry’s Kids Boot Block. This is an opportunity for drivers to donate to change or cash to this worthwhile event.
While thinking about a column for this week, I was talking to a fellow co-worker and former classmate of mine, Janette Murphy. She was telling me that she and her husband, Tim, are organizing a boot block in Granby this weekend.
Hours are from 5 p.m. to dusk on Friday, then from 8 a.m. to dusk on Saturday and Sunday and from 8 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m. Monday, at the flashing light on U.S. Highway 60.
When I asked Tim why he decided to do this, his response dated back to a few years ago.
“We have done it ever since I have been a fireman,” said Tim. “My oldest kid was born with shallow hips and the Shriners helped me out on that. (This) is to give back. It is sort of like the volunteer fireman deal, it is to give back to the community and help kids. It is something traditional being a fireman that I just enjoy doing that stuff.”
Tim has been a volunteer firefighter for five years with Granby.
He noted that not only would his family members be out there, but also his fellow firefighters and their families as well.
Tim, like many of us, have grown up seeing Jerry Lewis on Labor Day asking for money to help in research and helping children with muscular dystrophy. Lewis has done the telethon for more than 40 years.
“It is a good cause. Everyone has change, throw some change in there, it does add up,” Tim said. “On the boot block, all of the money (raised) stays local. A lot of people don’t realize that.”
I, for one, try to have a couple of extra dollars or some extra change to put in the boots during these boot blocks. And yes, there have been times that I purposely will go to the ATM to get money to help out.
So, as each of us travel this weekend, remember to give some money to the firefighters to help children with muscular dystrophy. Every little bit helps.
Todd G. Higdon is a staff writer and writes a weekly column for the Neosho Daily News. He can be reached at tghigdon@neoshodailynews.com.
