Community Corner
Worcester Police, Fire Face Off In Battle Of The Badges Blood Drive
It's a friendly competition between the Worcester police and fire departments to see which can recruit the most eligible blood donors.
WORCESTER, MA — Worcester police and firefighters will compete this week in a blood drive aimed at helping patients who need life-saving blood products.
The Battle of the Badges Blood Drive will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday at the DCU Center Convention Center, 50 Foster St., according to the city of Worcester. The event is a friendly competition between the Worcester Police Department and Worcester Fire Department to see which agency can recruit the most eligible blood donors.
The American Red Cross says Battle of the Badges drives help meet patient and hospital demand for blood. Donors at participating drives can vote for their department or agency of choice, with the winner earning bragging rights, the Red Cross said.
The drive comes during a difficult season for blood collection.
Blood donations often decline during the summer months because busy schedules and vacation plans can make donors less available, according to the Red Cross. High school and college blood drives, which account for as much as 20 percent of donations during the school year, also decline when schools are out of session, according to the organization.
All presenting donors at the Worcester drive will receive free parking, refreshments, an American Red Cross x Looney Tunes T-shirt while supplies last and a chance to enter to win tickets to upcoming DCU Center events.
Appointments can be made through the American Red Cross Blood Donor App with the code WorcesterBOB, at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
