Off-duty Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue firefighters will take to the streets this week to once again Fill the Boot for MDA. Firefighters will ask passing motorists to drop a donation into their fire boots on Monday, Sept. 14, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. at the Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway and Highway 217 intersection in Beaverton. On Tuesday, Sept. 15, they will be at Wilsonville Road and Lower Boones Ferry Road in Wilsonville between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Firefighters will be in Tigard on Saturday, Sept. 19, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. at the 99W and Main Street intersection. Funds raised through TVF&R’s 2015 Fill the Boot events support MDA’s life-enhancing programs, including support groups and clinics, and assist families with medical equipment and costs. They also make MDA summer camp possible so kids with muscle diseases can enjoy a week of fun activities while gaining confidence and independence. “We know the money we raise definitely makes a difference in the lives of people affected by neuromuscular diseases, and that it helps them get the care they need,” said Local 1660 President Rocky Hanes. “Fill the Boot is a proud tradition for us, and it’s a great way for our firefighters to be in our community reminding residents that we are always ready to help.” MDA serves more than 1,500 families across the state of Oregon and Southwest Washington with over 150 families in the TVF&R service area who are affected by muscular dystrophy. For the past 61 years, firefighters have fueled MDA’s mission to find treatments and cures for life-threatening muscle diseases, said Colleen King-Showalter, director of business development for MDA’s Oregon and Southwest Washington Chapter. Muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and other related diseases take away people’s ability to walk, move, smile, talk, and even breathe. To date, the International Association of Fire Fighters has raised nearly $558 million for MDA. TVF&R firefighters have raised more than $500,000 since 2005 for the cause. “Firefighters do more for MDA and the families we serve than any other group, dedicating countless hours of their time every year participating in Fill the Boot drives and at MDA Summer Camp,” King-Showalter said. “We're grateful for the support of these inspiring, selfless individuals who have made a profound impact on our families’ health, wellbeing, and quality of life, and we're excited to make this year’s Fill the Boot campaign the most successful yet.” TVF&R firefighters invite the community to join them in filling the boot for MDA. Cash and checks made payable to MDA will be accepted at the three collection events on Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday.