Soares Heads to 'Lock-Up' for Charitable Cause

Peabody firefighter John Soares is in jail for the next few weeks and needs you to help bail him out.

No, he's not actually behind bars up in Middleton or elsewhere, he's just participating in the Muscular Dystrophy Association's premier fundraising program. Soares has until Sept. 26 to post "bail" and raise his goal of $2,400.

"While it's not a real jail, it's even more important as I'm raising bail to help children and adults with muscle disease in my community who are supported by the vital work of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. I might not be able to rely on good behavior to get out so that's why I need your help -- I need you to donate to my bail," says Soares.

The MDA says Lock-Up fundraisers occur all across the country throughout the year, as business and community leaders agree to be "put behind bars for good." They then wield their influence with vendors, coworkers, family and friends to post bail via charitable donations.

The day of the Lock-Up event -- Sept. 26 for Soares -- the "Jailbird" gets to meet some of the local individuals and families he or she is helping along with sponsors of the fundraising effort. Soares says he will be at in Salem.

So far Soares has raised just $190 -- he has a ways to go over the next two weeks.

All funds raised by the program benefit the MDA in pursuing research and providing clinical care and summer camp experiences to individuals and families affected by neuromuscular diseases.

To contribute to Soares' bail, click here.