WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) — West Lafayette firefighters are using the color red to raise money for autism.

April is Autism Awareness Month and for entire month WLPD crew members will be wearing red shirts branded with the Autism Awareness logo.

The department is raising money for Cornerstone Autism Center in West Lafayette. The money will go towards autism research.

Fire Chief Tim Heath said this is the second year the department has done this. It has been effective beyond the borders of West Lafayette.

“We've had some pretty good reach out from, nationally too,” said Heath. “Some places have asked to send them shirts and they're interested in what we're doing.”

While they'll be raising money, Heath said the important thing about this month is not only raising awareness of what autism is but how it impacts families and the community at large.

You can help the firefighter reach their goal by donating money to administrator Beth Dehahn at Fire Station #1 located at 300 North St, West Lafayette, IN 47906. The department will deliver the check at the end of the month.