Gaffney police to sponsor blood drive

As part of National Police Week (May 13- 19), the Gaffney Police Department will sponsor a blood drive Wednesday, May 16, to help meet a critical shortage at the Piedmont Blood Center.

All blood collected during the drive will remain in Cherokee County. The Red Cross Bloodmobile will be located in front of Gaffney City Hall, 201 N. Limestone St., Gaffney, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To schedule an appointment, call Barbara Peterson at the police department at (864) 206-3304. Walk-ins are also welcome.

A second blood drive involving firefighters and police officers is being planned for Tuesday, May 29. The American Red Cross "Badges For Life" blood drive will be held from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Limestone Square parking lot next to the American Red Cross building.

"Badges For Life" is a competition between local firefighters and law enforcement officers to determine which group can bring in the most blood donations. Blood and platelet donors can donate on behalf of their local police or fire departments.

A healthy person can donate blood as often as every 56 days, according to the press release. Donors must be in good health, at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds.

To make an appointment or to find out more information about "Badges For Life" call the local Red Cross office at (864) 489-6066.