Albert Lea firefighters will take to the streets of the city Friday for their annual Fill the Boot fundraising campaign for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Firefighters will be stationed from 3 to 6 p.m. at the intersection of Main Street and Broadway Avenue and at the intersection of Bridge Avenue and Marshall Street. They will be dressed in full gear as they carry a firefighter boot and ask for donations.

“We’re just hoping people will dig down for this worthy cause and stop by to see us,” said Albert Lea Fire Department Lt. Al Schallock.

The department is one of numerous others across the country to take part in the fundraiser.

Last year was the first year the local firefighters collected money on the streets. In previous years they collected money for the fight against muscular dystrophy during the Third of July Parade or at the Northbridge Mall.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association, a health agency that works in communities to helpchildren and adults affected by neuromuscular diseases, has partnered with the International Association of Fire Fighters since 1954 for the fundraiser. Since its inception, more than $500 million nationwide has been donated to support research, clinics, support groups and summer camps, according to a press release.

Seventy-seven percent of every dollar donated to the association goes directly to research, services and education. The remainder goes to fundraising and administration.

The release states the MDA spends $70 a minute in its worldwide research program, supporting 300 projects across the world.