Sheldon, Iowa — Bragging rights will again be on the line on Monday (February 16th) when the Community Blood Bank comes to town for the annual Heroes Behind The Badges Blood Drive.
Community Blood Bank CEO Ken Ver Steeg tells us that the drive, in addition to its main purpose — to boost the local blood supply — this drive also acts as a way for people to vote for their favorite team of Sheldon emergency responders. He says the Sheldon Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and Sheldon Fire Company make up one team, and the Sheldon Police Department and Sheldon Community Ambulance Team (SCAT) make up the other team.
He tells us a little more about the competition.
VerSteeg says by about a three-to-one margin over the years, the Sheldon Firefighters are the most successful in recruiting donors, and the Fire and EMA team have the majority of the wins. He says if you go by that, it’s probably time for the police department and SCAT to win. But it’s all in good fun, and if you’d like to make sure they DON’T win, you’re free to cast your donation vote for the firefighters and EMA volunteers.
He says about 50 percent of the appointment slots were full at last report. They do take walk-ins, but if you walk in, be prepared to have to wait a little. He says if you can, they suggest making an appointment at cbblifeblood.org, selecting “donate blood,” then “blood drive calendar,” look for February 16th, and KIWA Radio Heroes Behind The Badges in Sheldon. Then just click the “here” link to set up your appointment. You can also call 605-331-3222.
Click here for a list of guidelines and recommendations for giving blood.
KIWA Staff Photo
