Donate Blood and Vote for Favorite Oxford 'Badge'

By Alyssa Schnugg
Staff writer
alyssa.schnugg@hottytoddy.com

Mississippi Blood Services is giving the community a chance to save lives and vote for their favorite “badge” next week during a special blood drive.

You can also win $1,000.
The Battle of the Badges Blood Drive will be held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 10 and Wednesday, July 11.
Donors can visit one of two donor coaches, located at the Oxford City Municipal Building at 717 Molly Barr Road or at Waller Funeral Home at 419 Highway 6 to donate blood and cast their vote for either the Oxford Police Department, Oxford Fire Department, Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department or Lafayette County Fire Department.
“The winning fire responder who gets the most donors wins bragging rights and a trophy,” said Mississippi Blood Service spokeswoman Susan Ates.
This is the third year for the Battle of the Badges.
“OPD has won the last two,” said Oxford Police Chief Joey East.
Lafayette County Fire Coordinator Wes Anderson said there’s some “good-natured competition” between the departments for the event.
“It’s a good cause,” he said. “Anyone at any time may need blood or someone close to them may need it. Everyone benefits from something like this.”
Mississippi Blood Services has been giving away $1,000 each week since May 28 and will continue to do so through Aug. 18. All donors have a chance to win.
Donors should bring a photo ID, eat at least four hours within giving blood, and drink plenty of fluids prior to and after making a donation.
For more information, call (601)981-3232 or visit Mississippi Blood Services online.