The Valdosta Fire Department will kick off the firefighters' annual "Fill the Boot" fundraising campaign on Thursday, Sept. 1. The event benefits the Muscular Dystrophy Association and celebrates a partnership lasting more than 60 years to raise funds and awareness which benefit children and adults affected by muscle disease throughout the Valdosta area.
 
The Fill the Boot Drive will take place at the following locations from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 1, and Friday, Sept. 2, and from 3-7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3.
 
· Wal-Mart Supercenter at 340 Norman Drive

· Wal-Mart Supercenter at 3274 Perimeter Road

· Winn Dixie at 4036 Bemiss Road

· Winn Dixie at 1105 Madison Highway

· Winn Dixie at 3200 North Ashley Street
              
"The Valdosta firefighters are proud to be partners with MDA in the fight against the life-threatening muscle disease," said Valdosta Fire Chief Freddie Broome. "We hope our efforts will bring some relief—and eventually a cure—to people in our community who are affected by the disease. Every dollar helps."       
 
Funds raised through the 2016 "Fill the Boot Drive" will help support MDA's programs of research, specialized health care services, and day-to-day support for those struggling with the disease. For more information about the VFD "Fill the Boot" Drive, call 229-333-1835.