Donate Blood in MB Tuesday

Wak-ins are welcome Tuesday during the 7th Annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive, held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the community room of the Manhattan Beach Police Department.

Appointments to donate are available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Simply visit www.redcrossblood.org, click on "Make A Blood Donation Appointment" found in the upper right corner of the screen as you face it, and then enter sponsor code BADGE. 

Put on by the American Red Cross and MBPD, the blood drive is an opportunity for all badge carrying personnel, along with their friends and family, to positively impact the communities they serve by seeing who can donate the most blood, said MBPD Officer Stephanie Martin.

The goal for the 7th Annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive is for at least 5,500 badge carrying personnel to donate blood.  

“Saving and protecting life is paramount for the Manhattan Beach Police Department," said Chief Eve R. Irvine, "and this is a very personal way we can give of ourselves."

During the winter months, blood supplies typically fall to critically low levels, according to the Red Cross. Donations can have a substantial impact on the availability of blood for accident victims, cancer patients, premature babies and burn patients.

As a charity and not a government agency, the American Red Cross relies on voluntary contributions of time, blood and money to perform its humanitarian mission, which includes providing relief to victims of disasters at home and abroad, collecting and distributing nearly half of the nation's blood supply, teaching lifesaving skills, and supporting military members and families. 

The MBPD Police/Fire building is at 420 15th Street, with a free parking lot accessible from 15th between Highland Avenue and Valley Drive.

All presenting donors will receive a coupon for complimentary admission for two to the Laugh Factory, a coupon for a free appetizer at Mimi’s Café and a free American Red Cross t-shirt.

Identification is required to donate. 

For more information, email Martin at smartin@citymb.info.