Drivers honked their horns, cracked open their windows and handed over some cash to “Fill the Boot” for Mercer Island firefighters on the morning of Sept. 8.

During a four-hour period, firefighters from the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local 1762 collected funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) at the corner of Southeast 40th Street and Island Crest Way.

When traffic halted at the light on Island Crest Way, the helmeted, sign-clenching and boot-toting firefighters strolled up the sidewalk or safely moved their way in between cars to receive drivers’ monetary offerings.

The local firefighters have been raising money for MDA since 2007, but took two years off during the height of COVID-19. They typically raise about $7,000 each year, however, this year’s event might yield less funds because the traffic volume is down during the pandemic, said Ray Austin, local president of the Mercer Island firefighters from the IAFF Local 1762.

To make up for fewer cars on the road, they are hoping to raise additional funds via a QR code that they introduced to the event this year. To donate, visit https://tinyurl.com/2ekcua6p.

Over the years, the firefighters and community have fully embraced this tradition in tandem to benefit MDA — a nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research — Austin said.

“It’s looking pretty good. Every dollar counts, every dollar helps MDA. We try and raise as much as we can,” Austin noted as cars drove by the area on Sept. 8. “What it comes down to is a trust with the firefighters and the community and what we’re trying to accomplish.”

Added Shane Gruger, this year’s event coordinator: “I think people want to give to a good cause, and we’re out here to help support that and I think that’s the biggest thing.”

As Austin eyed the cars flowing by, he noted that people missed interacting with each other and participating in such events as the “Fill the Boot” campaign during the pandemic.

“This is part of our connection with the community. That’s what we’re always trying to strengthen,” he said.

“Fill the Boot” was launched in 1952, when the father of a child with muscular dystrophy asked Boston firefighters to help raise money for the medical bills associated with his child’s disease. They raised $5,000 going door-to-door that year. In 1954, the IAFF adopted the MDA as its charity of choice, and to date, the association has raised well over $500 million with more than 300,000 participants each year throughout the United States and Canada, reads a press release.

“Your generosity and support each year has been overwhelming, and we want to thank you for making this such a successful event each year,” IAFF Local 1762 members said.

“Fill the Boot” signage on Island Crest Way. Andy Nystrom/ staff photo

“Fill the Boot” donation QR code.