Politics & Government
Fire Departments Want Your Blood
No, they're not vampires, but fund-raisers competing in the Bucket Brigade Challenge.
Fire departments in Sonoma, Lake and Mendocino counties are out for blood, competing in the 7th annual Bucket Brigade Challenge through Jan. 26.
The competition for blood donations to Blood Centers of the Pacific, formerly Blood Bank of the Redwoods, began Dec. 10.
Find out what's happening in Healdsburgfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Bucket Brigade concept originates from the Great London Fire in 1666 during which townspeople created water bucket brigades. This contemporary Bucket Brigade brings a community together in the same way - not to fight fire, but to save lives through blood donation.
"The bucket brigade was designed to boost the blood supply in December and January when donations are traditionally low due to weather, holidays and the flu season," said Andrea Casson, Blood Centers of the Pacific's senior account representative.
Find out what's happening in Healdsburgfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Healdsburg Fire Department will be holdling their blood drive on Tuesday, Jan. 15, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
On the City website, the Healdsburg Fire Department is asking donors to "come out, have a meal, donate, and grab a t-shirt."
The Healdsburg Fire Department is located at 601 Healdsburg Avenue, corner of Grant St.
All donors must have a photo ID in order to donate. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are strongly encouraged.
To schedule your lifesaving appointment visit www.bloodheroes.com, click "donate blood" and enter sponsor code: HFD.
Other area participating fire departments include the Eldridge Fire Department (in the Sonoma Valley), also holding its blood drive next Tuesday, Jan. 15. The Petaluma Fire Department's drive is on Jan. 16; the Windsor Fire Protection District's drive is on Jan. 19; and the Sebastopol Fire Department's blood drive is Jan. 22.
Over the years, 7,000 donors have participated, Casson said. Last year participating fire departments recruited nearly 1,000 blood donations. The Windsor Fire Protection District has won the past three years.
The Blood Centers of the Pacific supports more than 45 hospitals in Northern California.
Bay City News Service contributed to this report.
