BY KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

The 12th annual Battle of Badges Community Blood Drive is a close one this year.

According to American Red Cross donor recruitment representative Cathy Younger, “it is a tight race,” with Ellis County Emergency Medical Services slightly leading the battle with 51 donations in their name.

The  Hays Fire Department along with the Ellis County Rural Fire Department follows closely behind with 48 donations while the Hays Law Enforcement has 43 ‘votes’ in their name.

The Battle of the Badges is as a blood drive where local first responders compete to see who can bring in the most blood donors.

Last year, the Ellis County firefighters won the trophy and bragging rights go along with the title.

Younger said the “battle” always falls around the holiday season when blood donations tend to slip due to hectic schedules.

Donations can be made at Hays Blood Donation Center,  208 E. Eighth, between 11a.m. to 6p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and Fridays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Everyone who donates receives a free T-shirt and a will be eligible to win a recliner donated by Ashley Furniture in Hays.

The competition ends Jan. 3.

Younger said walk-ins are welcome, but it is best to make an appointment by calling 1-800-RED- CROSS (1-800- 733-2767.)