TUCSON, Ariz. — MDA Shamrocks are back! Green and gold Shamrocks are in time for St. Patrick’s Day and show support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s mission to provide help and hope to families in the community affected by muscle disease.

“The MDA Shamrock point of purchase program has been warmly embraced by retailers and their customers for many years, raising needed funds to support our lifesaving mission and programs in research and health care services,” said MDA President and CEO Steven M. Derks.

According to Derks, purchasing Shamrocks means support for research, health care services, education and advocacy that directly impact the health and well-being of children, adults and families facing one of the more than 40 neuromuscular diseases, including muscular dystrophy and ALS.

Anyone can lend support by donating $1 for a green, $5 for a gold, or more for a platinum Shamrock. In 2012, $23 million was raised.

With more than 15,000 participating retail locations throughout the United States, it is easy for customers to make a difference for families living in their area who are dealing with the daily challenges of living with a muscle disease, he said.

A Shamrock purchase helps to provide for MDA clinics, where individuals are seen by experts in the neuromuscular disease field, hundreds of support groups and local summer camps for kids ages 6 to 17.

Many local retails participate in the program.