COLUMBIA, SC -- Midlands residents are seeing red this Memorial Day weekend.
The Columbia Police Department and Columbia-Richland Fire Department kicked off its third annual Boots and Badges blood drive Friday at the Columbia American Red Cross donation center. Residents are invited to donate blood for patients in need.
Participants can then vote for either the police department or the fire department. The winning department will get a commemorative plaque.
Columbia Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins said blood donations have been low close to summer time in the past, and it is much needed.
"There are going to be a lot of people on the road. There could be a lot of accidents. You need to come out and give because blood is much needed.
The fire department won the first two years. Donors will also get a t-shirt, spirit cup, and a chance to win a $1,000 gift card. The drive will also be Saturday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
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