Edina Police Want Your Blood

Members of the are literally giving their blood this week to help save lives. That said, they could use a little help.

Officers, firefighters, friends, family and members of the Edina community are all encouraged to donate blood in honor of their favorite police or fire departments during the "Battle of the Badges" competitive blood drive. The Edina Police Department is sponsoring a drive from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 22, at .

Edina police will be pitted against police and fire departments from all over the metro, with the department boasting the greatest participation winning.

"We're excited about this fun and worthwhile competition," said Edina Police Officer Kevin Rofidal. "Donated blood saved our Officer Mike Blood's life, so we know firsthand how important it is to give."

According to the Memorial Blood Centers, which sponsors the "Battle of the Badges," someone needs a blood transfusion every two seconds. Considering one out of every three people need blood in their lifetime, the organization says there is always a need for more donations.

As added incentive—if you needed it—a handful of Twin Cities restaurants are partnering with Memorial Blood Centers for its "Give a Pint, Get a Pint" initiative. Anyone who donates blood during the month of August receives a voucher for a free commemorative pint glass and a beverage to fill it.

Among the participating restaurants are , McCoy's Public House and Santorini. The full list is available on the MBC website.

To donate blood in honor of the Edina Police Department, register using sponsor code 0111 by calling 1-888-GIVE-BLD, or online at www.mbc.org.

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