2-25-2024 3:49am

Battle of the Badges - the first Stateline community blood drive challenge

Battle of the Badges Blood Drive for Roscoe, Rockton, and South Beloit

The Rock River Valley Blood Center is teaming up with the fire and police departments of Roscoe, Rockton, and South Beloit to host the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive on Mar. 2 and 5, 2024.

The heroes of the three communities are calling upon the residents to take part in this first-ever Stateline Community Blood Drive Challenge.

The first responders will go head to head to see who can collect the most blood donations at their respective fire stations.

South Beloit's blood drive is Saturday, Mar. 2. Roscoe and Rockton are having theirs on Tuesday, Mar. 5, 2024.

In previous years, the agencies of Rockton and Roscoe have taken part in the good-natured rivalry that invites the public to support your community by donating blood at the fire department of your choice.

This year, South Beloit has decided to join in on the contest on Saturday and compete with the two neighboring communities by requesting their locals to donate.

South Beloit Fire Chief Jason Griffin says, “The City of South Beloit, Village of Roscoe, and Village of Rockton are uniting hearts, one drop at a time. This friendly competition transforms competition into collaboration, as we race to save lives and leave a mark in the Stateline area. The City of South Beloit is ready for this competition.”

The event takes place during the first week of March and is held at each fire station.

To support South Beloit, donate at 429 Gardner St., South Beloit, IL. 61080 on Saturday, March 2, from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
To support Rockton, donate at 201 N. Blackhawk Blvd., Rockton, IL. 61072 on Tuesday, March 5, from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
To support Roscoe, donate at 10544 Main St., Roscoe, IL. 61073 on Tuesday, March 5, from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

All donors will receive a Battle of the Badges T-shirt and a pint of custard from Culvers!.

A drawing will be made for the following:

2 drawings for a round of golf with a cart at a Winnebago County course
2 pair of Classic Cinema tickets
A $20 gift certificate for Applebee's
And all donors will be entered into a monthly drawing for a $500 gift card

Last year’s winner, the Rockton Fire Department District says, “We hope our community can participate in this important event that saves lives.” They received 59 donors in 2023.

The Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District's Community Risk Reduction Officer, Jen Anderson, says, “All hospitals are in dire need of blood. Anything anyone can do to help this event and pay it forward for the donor center is appreciated. Regular donors or a one-time donor: it’s all very much appreciated.”

Rock River Valley Blood Center is the only supplier of blood for local hospitals. They encourage all donors to schedule an appointment for their donation, whether at Roscoe, South Beloit, or Rockton. While walk ins are always welcome, making an appointment helps them be more efficient. If the schedule is full, there may be a short wait when you walk in, but they say, "We do appreciate your valuable time and your donation is truly needed."