The South Bend Fire Department and Firefighters Local 362 is showing its support for the Muscular Dystrophy Association as its members kick off the annual Fill the Boot fundraising campaign. Firefighters are helping kids and adults with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related muscle-debilitating diseases live longer and grow stronger this Labor Day Weekend.

Continuing a 65-year tradition, 258 dedicated firefighters from South Bend Fire Department, and Firefighters Local 362 will hit the storefronts with boots in hand asking pedestrians, customers, and other passersby to donate to MDA on Aug. 31 and Sep. 1 at these two Wal-Mart locations: 3701 Portage Rd. and 700 West Ireland Road. The hours will be from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. each day.

Fire Chief Stephen Cox said, “I’ve been a firefighter for over two decades, and as a kid, I can remember images of Jerry Lewis and his telethon. South Bend Firefighters will help fight another battle this weekend and support the MDA and help raise money to fight these diseases.”