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.
Planning Checklist
Take advantage of the planning checklist below to effortlessly organize your event from start to finish, ensuring that no detail is overlooked.
Department Communication
Communicating effectively is one of the most important things you can do to ensure a successful boot drive. The following examples were created by Fill the Boot Coordinators across the country and will guide you in sharing event details with your Local members, department personnel, Chief staff, and your community.
Department CommunicationsPermits, Ordinances, and Insurance
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.
If you need help navigating a city ordinance, reach out to your MDA Contact or email filltheboot@mdausa.org.
Learn about intersection collection alternatives:
Safety Plan
Our top priority is the well-being and safety of all personnel involved in Fill the Boot. This document aims to educate and inform everyone about the best practices necessary to maintain a safe environment throughout your event. Together, let's work towards a successful Fill the Boot campaign while keeping safety at the forefront of our minds.
Deposit Instructions
ATTENTION:
MDA no longer has an account with Wells Fargo Bank. Please work with your MDA Contact to find an alternative option to deposit Fill the Boot funds.
Supplies
MDA provides a variety of supplies for fire fighters filling the boot including banners, stickers, caution signs, posters, etc. Supplies are ordered online and shipped to the address you select.
Order SuppliesFlyers
In addition to standard supplies, we have a few customizable options to help you promote your event within your local community.
Save the Date QR Code PosterStorefront Collection Resources
If collecting at intersections isn't an option, filling the boot at a storefront can be extremely lucrative. Many Locals across the country Fill the Boot this way and have great success! Work with your MDA Director for guidance. Here are a few things to know about storefront collections:
- You will need to secure permission from the store before event.
- Some stores ask about insurance or may require a contract. MDA can provide a Certificate of Insurance or help complete a contract. Consult your MDA Director and allow six to eight weeks turnaround time.
Other Events
Whether you are looking for ways to supplement your Fill the Boot collection or looking for an alternative way to support MDA, hosting an event may be the perfect option for you.
Each of these types of events create a fun way to engage fellow fire fighters, community leaders, local businesses, family and friends all while raising money to support MDA.
Event types:
