The Bridgeport Fire Department is donating money for Sickle Cell research and awareness.

Earlier this month, the department held two boot drives and raised more than $9,600.

They presented that money to the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Southern Connecticut.

Sickle Cell is a genetic disease that affects the red blood cells. Currently it affects 1 in 10 African Americans and 1 in 25 Hispanics. The disease has no cure.

The New Haven Fire Department has also recently held boot drives with their proceeds going to the Sickle Cell Disease Association.