As Wichita and Sedgwick County’s first responders begin each day, their No. 1 priority is to help others and help save lives. For the 29th year, you’re invited to join them and be a lifesaver at the 29th annual Wichita and Sedgwick County Battle of the Badges Community Blood Drive.

This year, the blood drive takes place Dec. 13–31 at the Wichita Blood Donation Center, 707 N. Main St. The battle kicked off Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. with a news conference and first responders donating at the blood donation center.

By making a blood or platelet donation during this year’s battle, you can give the perfect gift and help patients in need. Through the first 26 years of this event, more than 31,000 blood and platelet donations have been collected. The goal for this year’s event is 1,000 blood and platelet donations, and with the community’s support we can accomplish it!

Don’t forget, when you donate, you will have the chance to vote and help one of our partner agencies win bragging rights for the entire year. So, when you come to donate, vote for one of your favorite agencies: Sedgwick County EMS, Sedgwick County Fire Department, Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, Wichita Fire Department or the Wichita Police Department.

To thank all those who make the time to give during this busy holiday season, everyone who comes to give during the Battle of the Badges will receive a commemorative Red Cross T-shirt. We urge you to make an appointment to give blood by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

On behalf of the American Red Cross, all partner agencies and all patients who need blood, we thank you for your commitment to helping save lives. We’re excited that, with your help, our friendly competition will continue to help patients in need during the busy holiday season.

Don’t miss out on this fun event; we hope to see you at the 29th annual Battle of the Badges Community Blood Drive!

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Photo caption: Capt. Chris Fleming with defending battle champions Wichita Fire Department and Wichita Police Lt. Joe Kennedy do a news interview during the Battle of the Badges kickoff.