Blood Centers of the Pacific reported that fire departments in Sonoma, Lake and Mendocino counties are joining together to participate in the seventh annual Bucket Brigade Challenge.

The event began Dec. 10 and is continuing through Jan. 26.

Participating fire departments recruit community members, colleagues, friends and family to donate lifesaving blood in an effort to win the Bucket Brigade Trophy and bragging rights for the year.

Last year several fire departments participated and recruited nearly 1,000 blood donors – a huge boost for the community blood supply.  

Windsor Fire Protection District prevailed the last three years, but not without heat from Lakeport Fire Department and Geyserville Fire Protection District.

The notion of a bucket brigade originates from the Great London Fire of 1666, where lines of townspeople created “brigades,” passing buckets of water from the town’s water source to the fires that threatened their community.  

This contemporary Bucket Brigade brings our community together in the same way - not to fight fire, but to save lives through blood donation.

“The Bucket Brigade was designed to boost the blood supply in December and January when donations are traditionally low due to weather, holidays and the flu season,” said Andrea Casson, Blood Centers of the Pacific senior account representative. “Over the years, nearly 7,000 donors have participated. We are grateful for the strong community spirit of our local firefighters and residents.”

Blood drives will be held in Lake County as follows:

• Saturday, Jan. 5: Middletown Fire Department, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., fire station meeting room, 21095 Highway 175.
• Saturday, Jan. 12: Lakeport Fire Department, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., truck bay and lounge, 445 N. Main St.

To make an appointment, visit www.bloodheroes.com or call 888-393-GIVE (4483).

Blood Centers of the Pacific (formerly Blood Bank of the Redwoods) supports more than 45 hospitals in Northern California including all hospitals in Sonoma, Lake and Mendocino counties.