LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The seventh annual “Bucket Brigade Challenge,” to benefit Blood Centers of the Pacific, is under way.  

Fire departments in Sonoma, Lake and Mendocino counties are taking part in the annual challenge, which runs through Jan. 26.

Five departments have competed thus far with Wilmar Volunteer Fire Department/Cal Fire of Petaluma in the lead with 73 donors.  

However, the wet weather and flu season continue to hinder collection efforts and they need donors to step up during the winter months, when blood donations are traditionally lower, according to Andrea Casson of the Blood Centers of the Pacific.

All donors will be rewarded with a t-shirt and help their fire department win the Bucket Trophy plus impact several patients in our community.  

The following blood drives will be held in Lake County:

• 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.