Blood Centers of the Pacific Bucket Brigade

January 1, 2018

Winter and holiday season is always a challenging time for blood collections due to rainy weather, busy holiday schedules, vacation and flu season.

The recent wildfires that devastated multiple North Bay counties, along with the Gulf Coast hurricanes in September, serving as a reminder of the importance of keeping an adequate blood supply – both locally and nationally. Keeping shelves stocked by donating blood is one of many ways community members can come together to support one another. It’s the blood on the shelves today that saves lives tomorrow.

Since 2006, fire departments participating in the Bucket Brigade Challenge have recruited nearly 10,000 participants who donated thousands of units of blood for patients in Northern California hospitals. Last year, Windsor Fire Protection District took home the coveted Bucket Trophy with 86 participants.

The participating firefighters recognize the significance of their blood drives. Chief Bill Bullard of the Graton Fire Protection District is a frequent blood donor and encourages his two sons to donate. A Scout Master, Chief Bullard takes the scout slogan “Do a good turn daily” to heart stating, “As a Volunteer Fire Chief, I do my good turn through fire service and supporting my neighbors. As a Scout Master, I can instill the same level of community support to my boys and other young men.” Chief Bullard views blood donation as another way his sons and young scouts can be civic-minded and sacrifice just one hour of their time for the possibility of saving one life. That’s a great return.

Multiple fire departments are hosting blood drives throughout December and January. To find one near you, please see the list below. To make an appointment, visit bloodcenters.org/bucketbrigade or call 888.393.GIVE (4483). For your donation, please arrive well hydrated and nourished with photo identification. Donors will receive a special event T-shirt.

To make an appointment and for eligibility information, visit www.bloodcenters.org/bucketbrigade or call 888.393.GIVE (4483).

For your donation, please arrive well hydrated and nourished with photo identification. Donors will receive a special event T-shirt.

1/5 - Cloverdale Fire Protection District

2:00pm – 6:00pm Fire Station: 451 S. Cloverdale Boulevard, Cloverdale

1/6 - Rohnert Park Public Safety

9:00am – 2:00pm Truck Bay: 5200 Country Club Drive, Rohnert Park

1/9 - Sonoma Valley Fire & Rescue

2:00pm – 7:00pm, Bloodmobile: 630 Second Street West, Sonoma

1/10 - Santa Rosa Fire Department

10:30am - 2:30pm Bloodmobile: 2102 W. College Ave. Santa Rosa

1/12 - Geyserville Fire Protection District

2:00pm – 7:00pm Truck Bay: 20975 Geyserville Ave, Geyserville