For the second time in twenty years the Hamlin Fire Department held a boot drive to benefit “Jerry’s Kids” at the Muscular Dystrophy Association. On Saturday September 5 from 9AM until 1 PM 17 members of the department and the Muscular Dystrophy Association took over the intersection of Route 18 and 19 asking for donations. They collected over $2,185.60 in the four hour span. Everything went very smoothly, there was a great bunch of members helping out.

The enthusiasm shown by all our members was great and made this event enjoyable for everyone. Chief Sercu took the busiest spot which was on Route 19 North. Several members like Doug Brown, Caroline Miller, John Sulyma, Jesse Seeler and Explorers Cullen Hayes and Ron Cottorone, took double shifts. Many of the second shifter’s came early. Laureen Sicilano from the MDA was invaluable in organizing and coordinating the entire event. Her enthusiasm sparked everyone.

A great deal of thanks goes out to the community of Hamlin who willingly took time out of their day to reach for their wallets and into their change holders to donate to this very worthy cause. Many people made multiple donations, giving money each time they went through the intersection. Thank You

Several businesses also deserve recognition for their unquestioning support. Marks Pizza in Hamlin donated many pizza’s to the fire department so they were well fed for their collecting duties. A final thank you goes to Hamlin Sports who allowed the fire department to use his parking lot to stage Engine 242 near the intersection.

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Story by John Deserto
Photo’s by Cullen Hayes