Passing the hat is a common fundraising practice but passing the boot is a disputed issue in eastern Iowa. As part of an annual money-maker for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, off-duty Davenport firefighters have taken to busy intersections during Labor Day weekend. The firefighters wade into the rows of stopped cars carrying their boots in their hands, into which they encourage motorists to put their spare change and bills for the M-D-A. A city council vote back in March made virtually all street solicitations illegal — giving the boot to the boot passing. Some blamed the firefighters in traffic for a fatal accident in 1995 at one of the busy intersections. Davenport aldermen voted Wednesday night to reverse the ordinance, allowing firefighters to resume the effort next month. Last year, the fundraiser brought in 43-thousand dollars.
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