NILES, Ohio - On Saturday, members of the Niles Fire Department hit the streets near the Eastwood Mall to raise money for a health organization that supports people who are living with neuromuscular diseases.

Their efforts are all part of the annual Fill the Boot campaign benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Drivers rolled down their windows, dropped in spare change and cash, and shared quick words of thanks as firefighters collected donations at busy intersections throughout the city.

One firefighter said the department has been participating in the fundraiser for as long as he has been on the job. He said it is something they look forward to every year because it gives them a chance to give back to the community.

"I've been [in] Niles for 15 years. We've been doing it ever since I was on so it's just kind of one of the things we always look forward to doing it, and being able to give something back," Nile Fire Department Lieutenant, Andy Bickerstaff said. 

As technology changes, so does the way donations are collected. Firefighters now use QR codes for drivers who no longer carry cash.

Even with the changes, they still raise an average of $7,000 to $8,000 in a single day each year. 

Nationwide, the campaign has raised more than $700 million since 1954. Local fire officials say every dollar makes a difference for families

"You'll get people that donate just the spare change they have in their car to people, to people that will throw $50 or $100 in your boot," Bickerstaff said. 

Donations can also be made via the Niles Fire Department's Facebook page.