SANDPOINT — Firefighters from Northside Fire District and Selkirk Fire Rescue and EMS will be showing their support for the Muscular Dystrophy Association as they take part in the annual Fill the Boot fundraising campaign on Saturday. The drive aims to help kids and adults with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related muscle-debilitating diseases live longer and grow stronger.

Northside Fire District will hit the streets or storefronts with boots in hand asking pedestrians, motorists, customers and other passersby to make a donation 8 a.m. and noon at the Walmart and North 40 parking lots in Ponderay.

Selkirk Fire Rescue & EMS firefighters will hit the streets or storefronts with boots in hand asking pedestrians, motorists, customers and other passersby to make a donation to MDA on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the intersections of Dufort Road and Highway 95, Sagle Road and Highway 95 and Lakeshore Drive and Highway 95.

“We are thrilled to be working with Northside Fire District and Selkirk Fire Rescue and EMS 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 development specialist Tori Ripple.

“The dedication of these fire fighters to MDA’s mission is unwavering, spending countless hours both with Fill the Boot and MDA Summer Camp to care for the kids and adults in Ponderay. We know that their devotion to our families will make this year’s drive a success.”

Funds raised through the event in 2018 empower families who inspire everyday Americans to help kids and adults with muscular dystrophy and related muscle-debilitating diseases live longer and grow stronger, displaying how we all can truly live unlimited no matter what limits we may face.

Contributions also help fund groundbreaking research and life-enhancing programs such as state-of-the-art support groups and Care Centers, including the MDA Care Center at St. Luke’s Rehabilitation in Spokane They also help send local kids to “the best week of the year” at MDA summer camp at — all at no cost to their families.

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

About MDA

MDA is leading the fight to free individuals — and the families who love them — from the harm of muscular dystrophy, ALS and related muscle-debilitating diseases that take away physical strength, independence and life. We use our collective strength to help kids and adults live longer and grow stronger by finding research breakthroughs across diseases; caring for individuals from day one; and empowering families with services and support in hometowns across America.

Information: mda.org