By Nate Leskovic
Times Staff
9/25/08

(previous)
“I held the boot and signs and I hold it up for cars and they stop and they give money to us,” said Emma. “It’s to help my friends go to camp.”
Emma said she had a great time again this summer attending the MDA’s Camp Florian at the Massachusetts Hospital School in Canton. She got to swim and ride on a motorcycle. This year she even stayed overnight.
But along with the fun, she is tireless at promoting her cause.
“She’s light years ahead of her actual age,” said Deputy Fire Chief Jack Grant. “Emma and her family, these guys are out every night. They’re all over the place. They’re doing terrific work for the MDA and it’s really a pleasure being around them.”
Emma’s father, Chris Russell, said she plans to make an appearance at ¡CelebrateMilton! on Sept. 28 and the fire department plans to bring along an engine. In addition, she has been all over the state at motorcycle rides, golf tournaments and “lockup” fundraisers.
“She’ll even tell jokes,” said her father about her speeches.
One of the aspects Emma enjoys most about her MDA work is the time she gets to spend with firefighters.
“I go to the firehouse and then I have lunch with them,” she said. “I ate half a pizza with them.”
At the “Pass the Boot” fundraiser, her connections paid off. People were pulling over to donate and many didn’t even know the cause, according to her father.
“People were so generous,” he said. “The goodwill toward the Milton Fire Department was very apparent.”
Deputy Grant said the department plans to hold the fundraiser again next year.