FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): The 20th annual Battle of the Badges blood drive continues in Fort Wayne. Currently the Fort Wayne Fire Department and the Three Rivers Ambulance Authority are leading the way with 279 donations.

The law enforcement team consisting of the Fort Wayne Police Department, Allen County Sheriff’s Department and Indiana State Police has 246 blood and platelet donations. 

“Our goal is to collect 1,000 units of blood with this year’s drive, so we really need to rally support right now,” said Vince Robinson, external communications manager for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “With your donation of whole blood or platelets, you’ll be saying ‘thank you’ to our area’s emergency responders as well as helping those hospital patients who rely on lifesaving blood products.”

Battle of the Badges donation locations and hours:

The Fort Wayne Donor Center located at 1212 E. California Road in Fort Wayne

* Thursday, Dec. 18:         8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

* Friday, Dec. 19:              8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

* Saturday, Dec. 20           8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

The Lutheran Hospital Donor Center located at 7900 W. Jefferson Blvd., Suite 107 in Fort Wayne (in the South Lobby of Lutheran Hospital) 

* Friday, Dec. 19 – Saturday, Dec. 20:                6:00 a.m – noon

How to donate blood:

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information.

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.