SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) -- Community Blood Bank is a cooperative effort between Avera and Sanford, supplying blood products to more than 40 area hospitals, and is currently in the midst of its most important blood drive of the year.
Nettie Sawatzky is celebrating her birthday by donating blood on behalf of Sioux Falls Fire Rescue.
Heroes Behind the Badges is a friendly competition between the Police Department and Fire Rescue to see who can earn the most votes among blood donors.
"So this goes to show you how one specific event that started many years ago, with just an idea, can grow into something really big," Community Blood Bank Executive Director Ken Versteeg said.
The event is in its 30th year and has received more than 22,000 donations, a number that has the potential to impact more than 66,000 lives.
"When people have accidents and traumas that occur that we're going to use anywhere from 50 to 100 donations of blood, that's when it gets to be really difficult. And that's why we host this event every single year with the Sioux Falls Fire Rescue and Police Department," Versteeg said.
"You never know when your family member, your loved one's going to need blood," Sioux Falls Police Department officer Dustin Jorgensen said.
Officer Dustin Jorgensen is with the Sioux Falls Police Department and was a recipient of blood donations back in 2022.
"It's nerve racking to have to go through that, so if you've got the opportunity, if you can donate, go out and donate," Jorgensen said.
And it's a gift that could save or change a life.
"To have a shortage of blood is an issue. And, you know, luckily in Sioux Falls people have been generous over the years," Jorgensen said.
"Not everybody can give monetary, but a lot of people can give blood by just rolling up their sleeve and donating 30 minutes of their time," Versteeg said.
The Heroes Behind the Badges blood drive continues Wednesday at Tinner's and Blarney Stone in Sioux Falls, before taking the day off on Christmas. The competition runs through January 3rd.