Hales Corners, Wis., June 19, 2012 - The Hales Corners Fire Department will go beyond the call of duty this week when they join in the battle against neuromuscular disease.

The fire fighters will remove their boots to collect money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Fill-the-Boot program on Friday, June 22^nd, July 20^th, August 10^th, and August 31^st. The fire fighters will stand at the intersection of Hwy 100 and Grange Ave, and take donations from motorists and pedestrians from 3pm-7pm.

The fire fighters raised over $19,000 during the 2011 collection, and hope to raise $25,000 this year. All donations will benefit local MDA clients and services like sending children and young adults to MDA Summer Camp in Kenosha County, funding clinic visits at Froedtert and Children’s Hospital clinics, and financing wheelchair repairs.

MDA’s Fill-the-Boot program is supported by fire departments across North America. Last year, Wisconsin fire fighters raised over $600,000 for MDA.

MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat more than 40 neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services and far- reaching professional and public health education.  For more information about MDA’s programs and services, call (262) 432-7992.