Austin motorists reached deeper into their pockets during this year’s Fill the Boot campaign, when firefighters hit the streets to collect donations for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Austin firefighters fell just short of their $19,000 goal by raising slightly more than $18,000.

However, they far surpassed last year’s $13,400 total.

“We did really well,” said Austin Fire Department engineer Jim Halsey, who organizes the local drive.

Because of more help from the staff this year, firefighters were able to stir up a little more attention on street corners and intersections last Wednesday through Friday. Of course, the public was very generous, as well.

“The community was really giving again this year,” Halsey said.