Help local first responders replenish blood supply for summer

‘Tis the season. No, not THAT season.

The beginning of the summer season, a time when blood donations typically decline because of holiday travel. To ramp up supply and keep a potential shortage at bay, the Columbia Police Department and Columbia Fire Department are challenging each other – and the community – to give blood at the fourth “Boots and Badges” blood drive.

The friendly competition pits the police officers and firefighters against each other to find out which department can donate more pints. But it’s not just the public safety officers who can participate – friends, family and community supporters can also become heroes by giving blood and voting for their favorite “team.” At the end of the drive, the Red Cross will announce the department with the most votes and honor the winner with a commemorative plaque.

“As first responders, the Columbia Fire Department and Columbia Police Department never know when we may be called upon to save a life, but you can schedule an appointment to be a lifesaver if you donate needed blood during the Memorial Day holiday,” said Columbia Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins. “It’s simple: Donate blood to help save lives.”

All presenting donors at the Boots and Badges blood drive will receive a free Boots and Badges T-shirt.

The Boots and Badges competition will be held at the American Red Cross Columbia Donation Center, 2751 Bull St., from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, May 22, and Saturday, May 23; 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, May 25; and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26. To make an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org.

Katie McElveen, Special to The State

This story was originally published May 22, 2015 at 8:56 AM.