The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas (CBCC) is teaming up with five Wilkes County first responder agencies for the “Wilkes Battle of the Badges” community blood drive. It will take place on Friday, Nov. 20 from 1:00PM-6:00PM at the Wilkesboro Fire Station located at 400 S. Cherry Street in Wilkesboro.

The competing agencies include: Wilkesboro Police Department; North Wilkesboro Police Department; Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office; Town of Wilkesboro Fire; and Wilkes County EMS.

“Our agency is honored to participate in such a worthy endeavor as the upcoming ‘Battle of the Badges’ Blood Drive. I encourage anyone eligible to participate in this event,” said Chief Craig Garris of the Wilkesboro Police Department. “With the upcoming holiday season I would like to remind the public that accidents and medical emergencies don’t take holidays—we need blood every minute, every day of the year. In this season of giving, one of the most important things anyone can do is to donate blood.”

The goal of the drive is to have members from the lay community along with Wilkes County civil service representatives participate in donating blood on the behalf of their organization or the organization of their choice. The organization that has the most support will be awarded a traveling trophy and community bragging rights.

"I encourage everyone to come out and support The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas by donating blood on behalf the Department and Badge that they hope wins the ‘Battle’ – especially the North Wilkesboro Police Department!," said Joe Rankin of the North Wilkesboro Police Department.

To make a donation appointment for this blood drive or any other CBCC blood drive, visit www.cbcc.us or call 704-697-1069.