Firefighters Want You To Fill Their Boots For MDA

FT. LAUDERDALE (CBS4) – It's that time of year again when firefighters hit street corners across South Florida to ask drivers to help fill their boots for a great cause.

"We're hoping that everyone in the community helps us, sees us and drop a dollar and fill the boot for muscular dystrophy," said Ft. Lauderdale firefighter Matthew Smith.

For the next week fire departments throughout Broward County are waving and weaving through traffic to ask for donations for Muscular Dystrophy Association.

"The relationship between firefighters and MDA has been ongoing for over half a century. We've been committed to it that long, and we will stay committed until there is a cure that's found," said Sammy Brown from Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue.

The MDA helps thousands of children and adults affected by neuromuscular diseases.

"We do a summer camp and a portion of this money goes to a kid going to a camp for one week and they have a great time and we have fun helping them out," Smith said.

Last year firefighters raised more than $266,000 thousand. This year their goal is $300,000 and they say they'll make it with your help; dollar bills, quarters, or even pennies all add up.

"Some people feel ashamed to drop some change in but we say 'Thank you, every bit counts every bit helps'," said Pam Mueller from Deerfield Beach Fire Rescue.

This weekend TV33 is airing the Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon to raise even more money for the cause. You can tune into from 6pm to midnight Sunday evening.

Fire departments in Miami-Dade County will also be participating in the Fill the Boot Campaign so make sure you drop some cash in if you see them on the streets.