Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue firefighters are conducting their annual "Fill the Boot" fundraiser to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association beginning Thursday (May 2) through Saturday (May 4) at the following three locations:

• Tigard Home Depot (14800 SW Sequoia Parkway)
• Beaverton Mall (3205 SW Cedar Hills Boulevard)
• Oregon City Fred Meyer Store (1839 Molalla Avenue)

Motorists may drop cash contributions in the firefighters’ boots at these locations from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. in support of MDA.

During their last "Fill the Boot" effort, firefighters raised $9,804 for area children and adults living with the 43 neuromuscular diseases covered by MDA. Firefighters are hoping to exceed that total this year by raising $20,000 or more! The dollars raised during this year’s "Fill the Boot" campaign will send local children with muscular dystrophy to summer camp in Welches, Oregon; provide clinical services at OHSU; assist in the purchase of medical equipment; and ultimately help find a cure for muscular dystrophy.

MDA does not charge for its services to individuals or families battling muscular dystrophy. MDA’s programs are funded entirely by individual private contributors and businesses. Additionally, MDA receives no government grants or United Way funds.