American Red Cross, Pittsburg First Responders team up for Battle of the Badges event

The American Red Cross, along with the Pittsburg Fire Department and Pittsburg Police Department, is teaming up to host the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive.

The annual drive runs from 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 21 at the First Christian Church, located at 705 Centennial Dr, Pittsburg. The second day will run from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.  on Thursday, Jan. 22 at the same location. Walk-in appointments are an option, but reserved appointments are preferred and can be made at https://www.redcrossblood.org/ or by calling 1-800-733-2767.

Blood donations help trauma patients, patients with sickle cell disease, burn patients, and patients with chronic diseases. Although this event is about helping the Red Cross collect blood for those in need, it’s also a friendly competition between first responders in Pittsburg. Both the Fire and Police Departments will take on the challenge of creating the best bowl of chili, voted on by participants of the blood drive.

The American Red Cross is also automatically entering participants in the blood drive into a drawing for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX in California. You can visit rcblood.org/SuperBowl for more information on the giveaway. Donors will also receive a free shirt at the event.