VALDOSTA, Ga. (WTXL) - The Valdosta Fire and Police Departments will host the Annual Battle of the Badges - Guns vs. Hoses - Blood Drive on Thursday.
The interdepartmental competition, open to the public, will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Valdosta City Hall Annex Multi-Purpose Room, at 300 N. Lee Street.
The event seeks to aid the American Red Cross in their life-saving efforts.
"This competitive blood drive allows us to have a little fun while contributing to a vital need in our community," said Valdosta Fire Chief Freddie Broome.
City employees, retirees, and their family members and friends, as well as members of the general public, are invited to give the gift of life at the event.
Blood donors will be asked when they arrive which team they support for the competition.
"At the end of the day, it’s not about which team wins," Valdosta Chief of Police Brian Childress said. "It’s really about ‘Team Valdosta’ pitching in to help our own in times when people need us the most."
The winning team will earn bragging rights and a trophy. The losing team must wash a number of safety vehicles.
Sam’s Club and Pepsi are making lunch available for people who donate.
Direct Accommodations has donated $300 in travel vouchers. The city employee who brings in the most donors will receive a $150 travel voucher, and there will be a random drawing for a blood donor for another $150 travel voucher
Registration is encouraged but not required. To make an appointment, citizens may visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter keyword: cityval.
You can streamline your donation experience and save up to 15 minutes by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete your pre-donation reading and health history questions on the day of your appointment.
For more information, call the Valdosta Fire Department at (229) 333-1835 or the Valdosta Police Department at (229) 293-3102.
