The Dunkirk Professional Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 616 is showing its continued support for the Muscular Dystrophy Association as its members kick off the annual Fill the Boot fundraising campaign to raise critical funds to help transform the lives of kids and adults with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related muscle-debilitating diseases.

Continuing a 65-year tradition of giving strength to the MDA community, dedicated fire fighters from Dunkirk Professional Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 616 will hit the streets with boots in hand asking pedestrians, motorists, and other passersby to donate to MDA on Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Central Avenue and Fourth Street.

Funds raised through the Dunkirk Fill the Boot event will help the MDA save lives and lift those up in need, by providing the MDA with vital resources to advance their mission of driving innovations in science and care for the neuromuscular community. Contributions have helped fund groundbreaking research and life-enhancing programs such as state-of-the-art support groups and Care Centers, including the MDA Care Center at University of Buffalo Medical/Conventus Building and Dent Neurologic Institute, both located in Buffalo, New York.

They also help send more than 60 local kids to “the best week of the year” at MDA summer camp at Rotary Sunshine Campus in Rush, New York – all at no cost to their families.

In addition to Fill the Boot drives, fire fighter contributions from year-round local events, including a travelling Boot at the Music by the Water help support MDA’s efforts to raise awareness and provide professional and public education about neuromuscular diseases.