Allen County, IN – A popular community blood donation challenge is back this week, giving residents a chance to save lives while supporting their favorite first responders.
According to the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, the annual “Battle of the Badge” blood drive has officially returned and will run through Friday, December 20. The friendly competition pits firefighters against law enforcement, with every blood donation counting as a “vote” toward the final tally.
The event is designed to increase blood donations during the holiday season, a time when supplies often run low due to travel, illness, and weather-related disruptions. Officials say the need for blood is constant, and even a single donation can help save multiple lives across local hospitals.
Residents can schedule an appointment through the American Red Cross at rcblood.org/3LeXINS. Donors are encouraged to roll up a sleeve, give back to the community, and cast their vote for either Fire or Police during their visit.
The blood drive impacts residents across Allen County, including Fort Wayne, surrounding communities, and the broader Northeast Indiana region, where hospitals rely heavily on steady blood supplies to support emergency care, surgeries, and trauma response.
Officials emphasize that the rivalry is strictly friendly, with the real goal being community involvement and lifesaving impact. Past Battle of the Badge events have drawn strong participation from residents eager to support first responders while making a difference.
Those who are healthy, eligible, and able to donate are urged not to wait, as appointment slots may fill quickly leading up to the December 20 deadline.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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