LUMBERTON — Local firefighters will be the boots on the ground this weekend for an organization trying to fight muscular dystrophy.

Several Robeson County fire departments will be holding “fill the boot” fundraisers to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association on Saturday from about 8 a.m. to noon.

Pine Terrace Fire Department Capt. Dewayne Allen said the organization approached his department about holding a fundraiser about a month ago.

“We called around and got a few departments that could assist,” he said.

As of Thursday, Pine Terrace, Lumberton City, Saddletree, Pembroke, Burnt Swamp and Fairmont fire departments were planning to collect money at locations that include Walmart and Sams Club in Lumberton.

All the money will benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association, which raises money for muscular dystrophy research, care and support groups. Muscular dystrophy refers to a group of diseases that cause progressive muscle loss. Although there is no cure, medication and therapy can manage the symptoms.

According to its website, the association funds about 200 research projects in 12 countries, investing $75,000 every day in research to find treatments and cures for a spectrum of neuromuscular diseases.

Walmart is located on Fayetteville Road in Lumberton and Sam’s Club is on Dawn Drive, both near Exit 22.