Blood reserves at the Red Cross are dangerously low and donations are needed.

Elkhart County’s Police, Fire, and Ambulance departments are taking part in the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department’s fourth annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive on Friday, Aug. 24 from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m.

Anybody can schedule to make a donation, or just stop by, as walk-ins are accepted at the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department Large Training Room at 26861 County Road 26 in Elkhart.

Every donation counts as a vote for the donor’s favorite first responder.  At the end of the drive, votes will be tallied and a winner will be named as Battle of the Badges Champion.

In 2017, police came out on top.

Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are needed to help save lives.

To schedule an appointment to donate sign up online by clicking the link posted on our Battle of the Badges event page on the Sheriff’s Department Facebook and Nextdoor page or going to https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive Sponsor Code: ELKCOSHERIFF

Everyone is encouraged to donat. Being a first responder is not a requirement. Everyone who donates will receive a free Battle of the Badges t-shirt, while supplies last.