CREDIT AMERICAN RED CROSS
By Dan Deming
Hutchinson and Reno County are again gearing up for a potentially life-saving and fun event called “Battle of the Badges”. Getting more people to donate blood is the mission of this annual friendly competition between police and firefighters. The real winners are people, and it could be any of us faced with an accident or illness, who need blood: truly the gift of life.
A traveling trophy goes to HPD or HFD depending on donors voting for their favorite first responders and it’s a great way to thank these men and women who run into danger as others are running away. In years past Hutchinson has had one of the most receptive blood-mobile responses with upwards of 300 pints collected.
Donations are launched this coming Saturday, January 25th, at New Covenant Presbyterian Church, 700 East 25th from 9 a.m. till 2 p.m. Collections switch to First Presbyterian Church, 201 East Sherman, on January 27th, 28th and 29th (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday) with a variety of times available when you call the American Red Cross (l 800 RED CROSS) for an appointment. It’s best to set up a time but drop-in donors are also welcome.
You’ll get a free mini health check up and giving blood normally involves virtually no pain, coupled with the reward of helping others whose need for blood is often critical. Since firefighters have won the competition for a number of successive years police are anxious to reverse the trend and reclaim the trophy. But the overall goal is replenishing the blood supply and “Battle of the Badges” has a history of inspiring more people to give.
All participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt while the supply lasts.
