LIHU‘E — Local firefighters were busy putting out one big blaze this weekend.

Joining their brothers and sisters across the nation, Kaua‘i Fire Department personnel manned entrances to stores across the island to fill their boots for “Jerry’s Kids” on Sunday and Monday.

The effort coincides with the 44th airing of the annual Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon.

The International Association of Fire Fighters has been one of the biggest sponsors of the fight against muscular dystrophy for 50 years.

Capt. Colin Wilson said Kaua‘i’ firefighters took up positions outside the Foodland stores in Princeville and Hanalei, Safeway in Waipouli, Wal-Mart in Lihu‘e, and at the Big Save stores in Koloa, ‘Ele‘ele and Ishihara Market.

“People on this island are very giving,” said Wilson, joining a volunteer crew outside the Safeway store. “In spite of the tight economy and the Cop on Top to help Special Olympics, people still dug deep and helped us collect about $2,400, Sunday.”

Wilson said the Kaua‘i firefighters have been involved in the national Muscular Dystrophy Association fundraiser for about 10 years and estimated that people have contributed more than $100,000 in that period.

“This is the only big fundraiser the fire department is involved in through the year, and people are so generous, they give even before the firefighters can ask,” Wilson said. “We estimate that over the two-day period, we should be able to generate between $10,000 to $15,000.”

Wilson said the firefighters will be outside the stores for the entire day so a final collection total will be available later.

The fire shift from the Kapa‘a Fire Station manned boots outside both entrances to the Foodland store in Waipouli.

“We had to respond to two calls this morning, so they sent over some recruits from Safeway to help,” a fire captain said.

Wilson said funds collected help kids here who suffer from muscular dystrophy.

“The MDA Hawai‘i has many programs for people suffering from muscular dystrophy, and top of the list is the summer camp where young people suffering from muscular dystrophy can attend to learn and have fun,” Wilson said. “We have kids here that have muscular dystrophy, and it’s nice to know they have a lot of support from people.”

The Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon is the single most important fundraising event of the year for MDA, states the MDA Web site. Funds raised help MDA carry on its fight against muscular dystrophy and related diseases including a worldwide program of basic and applied research, a nationwide network of comprehensive medical and support services, and extensive professional and public education.

Children and adults with muscle diseases benefit through services such as specialized care at 220 MDA clinics and 35 MDA/ALS centers, free flu vaccinations, assistance with the purchase and repair of wheelchairs, leg braces and assistive communication devices, support groups for individuals and family members, the MDA Summer Camp, and ongoing public education.

For more information, visit the MDA Web site at www.mda.org.