They're out for blood — literally

Annual Battle of the Badges between firefighters and police officers benefits the Red Cross

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Tuesday, June 28 — On Saturday, local firefighters and policemen took to thebasketball court as the first step in a drive for blood donations. The finalscore — which saw firemen in the lead — launched a running competition between these organizations.Now, however, it’s anyone’s game, as it’s up to donors to decide who theywant to win.

But while competition may help drive the effort, salvation isat the heart of this rivalry. Over the next two weeks, the Red Cross hopes tocollect over 700 units of blood, to augment their stores. The competition isone way it hopes to counteract the traditionally slow summer months, explainedMonica Stoneking, communications director for the American Red Cross.

“People are out travelling, or with family, or they justdon’t think to donate blood,” Stoneking said. “So we figured we could partnerwith people out there every day, helping to save lives. We’re helping to savelives too, just in a different way.”

The Battle of the Badges, as it has come to be called, hasbeen a staple of the Lansing area for the past 11 years. While each year theRed Cross tries to make the event a little different, it’s always about promotingthe importance of blood donation and paying thanks to the homegrown and oft-unsungheroes of the community.

To that end, all fire and police departments from theGreater Lansing area have been invited to participate. When donating, peoplecan vote for either firemen or policemen. At the end, the tallied votes willdetermine who won the battle.

The blood itself will go to help those in need, at home orabroad, in case of disasters like the tornadoes that struck Missouri andAlabama last month.

“Every one donation helps to save up to three lives,” Stonekingsaid. “Blood can be broken down to three products: whole blood, platelets andplasma. You take an hour out of your time, you’re positively impacting up tothree people.”

If that isn’t enough of an incentive, the contest alsoincludes the potential for prizes, as well as food. Every month this summer,everyone donating throughout the Great Lakes area will have the opportunity towin a $500 Best Buy Gift card, a $125 Meijer gas card and Common Ground concerttickets, among prizes.

Kroger and Cottage Inn Pizza will provide breakfast andlunch items, respectively, for donors at the Lansing Donor Center.

“It’s our way of letting our donors know that a) wappreciate them; and b) we understand the tough economic times — and donatingblood doesn’t cost anything. I know this sounds clich,” Stoneking said, “butwhat better gift to give than the gift of life?”

The contest ends on July 9.To give blood, appointments can be arranged with the Lansing Donor Center.

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