Firefighters from the City of Polson were holding out big black boots at Super One last Thursday, in hopes of enticing shoppers to drop some dollars inside. The volunteer fire department hopes to raise $12,000 for the Firefighter Stairclimb, held March 9 in Seattle.

Donations go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, which helps fund blood cancer research and patient services. It’s a cause that hits close to home since firefighters are at a higher risk for blood cancers.

Seven local firefighters will join 2,000 firefighters in the rigorous event, which challenges firefighters attired in full turnout gear to climb 69 floors and 1,356 steps to reach the observatory at the top of the Columbia Center in downtown Seattle.

Members of the Polson crew will be serving orders at Mackenzie River Pizza Feb. 14, and holding out their boots for donations at Walmart Feb. 15 and March 1.

"We would love for the community to come out and support us," says volunteer Ismet Gokce.

To learn more about the event, visit www.lls.org.

    Polson volunteer firefighter Ismet Gokce encouraged Super One shoppers to "Fill the Boot" with donations last Thursday. Funds go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.