Five Reasons Why 'Fill the Boot' Rocks

If you haven't been to the intersection of Layton Avenue and 76th Street yet today, you're missing out. 

The , running from car to car, dodging trucks and motorcycles, collecting as much cash (and coins) as they can for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. 

Thanks to Andy Greil of the Greenfield Fire Department for letting me stop by today and help with the . 

Here are five things I loved about.

1. People's generosity: I don't know how much I collected in my few hours on the northeast corner of the busiest intersection in Greenfield, but it sure felt good seeing it get dumped out into the collection bucket. Great to see folks scrounge around in their car for spare change or drop a $20 in my boot -- every bit helps, and Greenfield folks (and people from other communities, I'm sure), helped a lot.

2. Children getting into the act: I'm pretty sure that a lot of the kids who dropped their parents' money in my boot don't know what muscular dystrophy is, and that's OK, because hopefully, those same parents told their children that sometimes people need help and taught them the importance of giving when you can.

3. Being mistaken for a firefighter: Some of the things that were said to me as I collected donations today: "You guys do great work;" "Thanks for your service to the city;" "I'm so glad you guys do this every year;" "This is awesome, thanks for doing it." And my personal favorite, "Can you show me a little leg?"

4. Knowing you're helping a good cause: OK, that one is obvious, but it still feels good, and it will feel good to you if you drive through that intersection and kick in a few bucks. It really will.

5. It doesn't end today: Today was just the start. The firefighters will be out there all day tomorrow and Tuesday, so you have plenty of opportunities to drive by, say "hello," and fill the boot!

Editor's Note: As part of Patch's nationwide Give 5 volunteer program, I'm always looking for more volunteer opportunities within Greenfield. Just give me a call or shoot me an email at David.Cotey@patch.com and let me know what I can do to help!