Local Safeway stores are partnering with the Muscular Dystrophy Association through Sept. 8 to raise money for research into the disease.

Safeway stores are offering customers the opportunity to support the association at checkout stands to donate funds to MDA. The money raised will help fund vital research and local programs such as sending children with limited mobility to MDA Summer Camp near Portland and Eugene. Last year's Safeway MDA campaign raised over $211,000 statewide, with the Coos Bay store adding more than $1,000 to the total.

Various Safeway stores plan to host special events and additional activities throughout the campaign, which ends the weekend after the 42nd Annual Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon.