14th Annual Heroes Behind the Badges
is Out for Blood

December 19, 2008

Sioux Falls, SD- Sioux Falls Fire Rescue and Sioux Falls Police Department compete to see which department can recruit the most blood donors for Community Blood Bank in the 14th Annual "Heroes Behind the Badges".

 

The "friendly competition" between the two departments kicks off December 26, running through January 7th. The public is encouraged to come into either of our donor room locations and designate their blood donation to the department of their choice. Donors can choose a specially designed "police" or "fire" t-shirt for signing up to donate at the donor rooms, while supplies last.

 

The department with the most donations will contribute $350.00 to the charity of their choice; second place will donate $150.00. Sioux Falls Fire Rescue has designated Children's Home Society, and Sioux Falls Police Department has designated Special Olympics of South Dakota. Last year it was the Sioux Falls Fire Rescue taking a narrow victory over the Sioux Falls Police Department with a record setting 411 vs. 408 units.

 

The public can donate at various blood drives hosted by both departments. " Friday, December 26th - Donate blood at Original Pancake House or the Pizza Ranch (41st & Kiwanis) from 6:30am to 2:30pm. All donors will receive their choice of either a free large stack of pancakes (compliments of Original Pancake House or a coupon good for $5.00 off your meal (compliments of the Pizza Ranch). " Saturday, December 27th- Donate blood at Camille's Sidewalk Cafe'(1216 W. 41st St.) from 10:00am to 2:00pm and receive a card good for a free meal. Donors may also donate at HyVee (37th & Minnesota Ave. location) the same day from 9:00am to 1:00pm and receive a free breakfast.

 

" Friday, January 2nd - Donate blood at the Sioux Falls Arena from 12:00pm to 6:00pm. All donors will receive (4) tickets to the Skyforce game vs. Erie (compliments of Sioux Falls Skyforce).

 

"This time of year is extremely difficult to maintain an adequate blood supply," states Ken Versteeg, Executive Director, Community Blood Bank. Consistently, there is a 20 - 30% decrease in blood donations during the holidays. This challenge between the two departments provides the public a chance to say "thank you" to police and fire personnel and will help hundreds of patients in the hospital during the holidays."

 

Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh 110 lbs or more and be in good general health. It is recommended that a person eat and drink plenty of fluids prior to donate blood. Please bring an ID with you at the time of donation. For more information and a full schedule of Heroes Behind the Badges blood drive events log onto www.cbblifeblood.org or call (605) 331-3222.