Palm Springs police and fire departments compete for blood donors in Battle of the Badges

The Palm Springs Police Department and Palm Springs Fire Department are facing off in a friendly Battle of the Badges Blood Drive, competing to see which agency can bring in more donors.

The competition comes at a time when blood banks need the help most. The Red Cross says summer is a tough stretch for donations because schools are out and regular blood drives slow down, dropping donor turnout even though the need for blood stays the same.

The drive runs Thursday, July 9, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at O'Donnell Golf Club, 301 N. Belardo Road in Palm Springs. Donors can schedule an appointment by scanning the QR code on event flyers or entering keyword PSPD at RedCrossBlood.org. Those who give blood may also get a Red Cross x Looney Tunes T-shirt while supplies last.