American Red Cross Partners with First Responders on Battle of the Badges Blood Drives

DULUTH, Minn. — The American Red Cross is partnering with first responders to help make a difference for those in need of life-saving blood.

It’s called the Battle of the Badges blood drive. It is a 2-day event where Duluth and Superior Police and Fire and the St. Louis and Douglas County Sheriff’s Departments will be taking part. It’s all about celebrating the work of first responders and the difference they make in the community. Community members are encouraged to donate. At the blood drives, donors will be able to vote for their favorite of the 6 agencies. The agency that receives the most votes will receive a trophy.

“When I’ve been around the last 11 years that I’ve worked for the American Red Cross, and I go around to blood drives in the community. It’s rare that I go to a blood drive, and you don’t see someone in uniform, a firefighter, a police officer that are donating blood because they know the difference that that makes and that there’s no replacement for that gift of life saving blood,” said Dan Williams, Executive Director, American Red Cross Serving Northern & Central Minnesota.

Williams says the holiday season is a tough time for blood collection, so it is very important to donate now. One man has been donating since he was in high school. He says this is his way to give back.

“Maybe you don’t always have the finances to financially donate but this is something very simple and the benefit is basically priceless. I mean you can’t really buy something that’s going to save your life like this and it’s pretty straight forward, easy, doesn’t take long. So, a good benefit,” said Steven Nodes, Grand Rapids area resident.

The first Battle of the Badges blood drive is December 2nd at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Superior and the second is at the Coppertop Church in Duluth on the 3rd. Everyone is encouraged to take part.