Havre firefighters will be hitting the streets Friday with their footwear in hand .
Once a year the firefighters donate their time to raise donations to help kids with muscular dystrophy.
"I've been here 17 years and we've been doing it since before I got here," said Tim Ranes, a local firefighters.
Firefighters across the nation have been raising money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association since 1954. This year some 240,000 firefighters across the nation hope to raise more than $14 million last year.
For a town its size, Havre does an impressive job. "We rank right up there," said Ranes.
Last year the Havre Fire Department raised $3,400. This year they hope to make it to $4,000.
Ranes says they don't have a particular strategy for pulling in the money. "Just be nice and have a fire boot in your hand," he said.
The firefighters use their own boots for the fund-raiser. Dave Krezlak may have the hardest time of the group, seeing as how he may possibly have the largest feet and therefore more boot to fill.
The event begins at noon and goes to 6 p.m. on Fifth Avenue in front of the Fire Department. During that time firefighters will be stopping all cars and asking if occupants would like to donate money to the charity. Once a person has donated they will be given a sticker so that firefighters will know not to ask them again.
"It just goes to a good cause and Havre's people have always been generous for a good cause," said Ranes.
The money goes to help children with muscular dystrophy in the form of research and treatments to prolong the lives of children who have the disease. Montana children with the disease go to a camp that is held at the Kiwanis campground south of Havre in Beaver Creek Park.
Firefighters donate their time to go to camp with the children. Each child is assigned a firefighter who helps them with activities.
