The Albert Lea Fire Department will show its continued support for the Muscular Dystrophy Association as its members kick off the annual Fill the Boot fundraising campaign.

According to a press release, local firefighters will participate in the campaign during the annual Third of July parade.

With boots in hand, Albert Lea firefighters will ask parade-goers to make a donation to MDA. Albert Lea firefighters invite the community to support efforts to fill the boot by bringing spare change and donations along to the parade route.

The campaign raises critical funds to help transform the lives of children and adults with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related muscle-debilitating diseases.

“We are thrilled to be working with Albert Lea firefighters for another year of Fill the Boot to help provide the funds needed to find treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases that severely limit strength and mobility,” said MDA Executive Director Gina Olson.

“The dedication of these firefighters to MDA’s mission is unwavering, taking a pledge year after year to spread awareness and collect donations in their boots until a cure is found. We know that their devotion to our families will make this year’s drive a success.”

Funds raised through Albert Lea Fire Department’s Fill the Boot event in 2019 will help the MDA save lives and lift those up in need, by providing the MDA with vital resources to advance its mission of driving innovations in science and care for the neuromuscular community, the release stated.

It also helps send more than 140 local children to MDA summer camp at Camp Courage — all at no cost to their families.