The Hinesville Fire Department will be outside Walmart on West Oglethorpe Highway from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday for the annual “Fill the Boot” drive for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Last year, the fire department raised more than $2,200 for MDA. This year, the goal is $4,000, and firefighters hope community will help them reach it this Independence Day weekend.

There also will be a golf tournament to benefit the MDA on Aug. 28 at the Cherokee Rose Country Club. Anyone interested in signing up a team of four for $200 or any businesses interested in sponsoring the fundraiser can call Coleen Harvey at 354-9576 or Roland Evans at 876-4143.

Local firefighters have a tradition of serving children and adults with muscular dystrophy. One benefit of their efforts is MDA Summer Camp, which allows children ages 6-17 to enjoy an activity-packed, weeklong getaway with friends. Donations collected by the firefighters also will fund local clinics, support groups and vital research aimed at treatments and cures for neuromuscular disease.          

MDA is a voluntary health agency working to find treatments and cures for 43 neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive medical and community services and far-reaching professional and public health education.