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Firefighter Charity Collection Boot Stolen In North End

BOSTON (CBS) -- For many years, the crew at the Boston Fire Department's North End fire house has put a firefighter boot out on the sidewalk, raising thousands of dollars to fight muscular dystrophy.

Over those years, people walking on Hanover Street have reached into their pockets and given to the cause. But a couple of nights ago, someone reached down and stole the boot and the adjacent lock box, swiping contributions estimated at a couple hundred dollars, firefighters said Sunday.

The empty boot and lock box were found close to the fire house in the fountain near the Paul Revere statue. The cash was gone, the boot had been cut open and the lock box was dented.

As word of the theft spread through the neighborhood, several residents came to the station over the weekend to make contributions.

The boot will be back out soon, but firefighters and neighborhood residents will be guarding it closely.

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