Community Corner
Fire Departments Compete to Collect Lifesaving Blood
Blood Centers of the Pacific Kicks-Off 8th Annual Bucket Brigade Challenge
Blood Centers of the Pacific and fire departments in Sonoma, Lake and Mendocino counties are partnering for the 8th Annual Bucket Brigade Challenge, running from December 9th to January 21st. Fire departments taking part in the challenge enlist community members, neighbors, co-workers, friends and family to give lifesaving blood in an effort to boost the local blood supply, earn the coveted title for their department and carry the Bucket Trophy for the year.
In the previous season’s challenge, fire departments recruited almost 1,000 people who gave 700 units of blood – a tremendous boost to the local blood supply. Windsor Fire Protection District won the trophy for the fourth time, with Lakeport Fire Department close behind.
Find out what's happening in Healdsburgwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The idea of the Bucket Brigade comes from the Great London Fire of 1666 that found community members in “brigades” as they passed buckets of water from the city’s water supply to the blaze that endangered their town. This modern day Bucket Brigade gathers our community together – not to fight flame, but to save lives through blood donations.
“The Bucket Brigade was created to increase local blood supply during a time when donations are traditionally low as a result of challenging weather, the busy holiday season and impact of flu season,” said Andrea Casson, Senior Account Representative at Blood Centers of the Pacific. “Fire Departments support us throughout the year and the support during the winter months is critical. More than 8,000 people have participated in the Annual Bucket Brigade. We are thankful for the unwavering community spirit of our local firefighters and residents. The Bucket Brigade has grown into a lifesaving community event!”
Find out what's happening in Healdsburgwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Four-time title holder Windsor Fire Protection District challenges all participating departments to increase community involvement in an effort to secure the Bucket Brigade Trophy this season.
“Windsor Fire Protection District’s main goal in participating is to support the always pressing need for blood donations. With the overwhelming support the community of Windsor gives us, we’ve been very fortunate to have high numbers of donors over the past few years. I am always hopeful this will encourage other fire departments to drive hard and try to beat us,” said Windsor Fire Captain Dean Crothers. “Let’s make this year the best Bucket Brigade yet. The more donations we get throughout the local counties, the more available for those in need. And unfortunately, there’s always a need.”
This season’s challenge is not without heat from strong competitors with a plan on how to earn the trophy—San Antonio Volunteer Fire Department hopes to unseat Windsor Fire Protection District from the throne this year.
“San Antonio Volunteer Fire Department (SAVFD) is participating in the challenge to show their continued support to the community,” said SAVFD fire fighter Jason Zajonc. “SAVFD's goal in this season’s challenge is to have 100 participants through gathering our community supporters, local firefighters and business partners. For all those participating, remember: it helps to save lives.”
Donors receive an event t-shirt, a “mini physical” and “hero reward points,” which can be redeemed for items like movie tickets and ice cream. To find a drive near you and to make an appointment, visit bloodheroes.com or call 888.393.GIVE (4483). A list of drives is below.
8th Annual Bucket Brigade Blood Drive Challenge
Blood Drives Listed by Date
Wilmar and CAL Fire
2:30pm-7:30pm, Monday, December 9, 2013 Wilmar Truck Bay: 3825 Bodega Ave, Petaluma
Glen Ellen Fire Department
3:00pm-7:00pm, Monday, December 9, 2013 Conference Room: 13445 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen
Graton Fire Protection District
10:00am-2:00pm, Sunday, December 15, 2013 3750 Highway 116 North, Graton, CA
Rincon Valley Fire District
2:00pm-6:00pm, Monday, December 16, 2013 Molsberry Market-Donor Coach: 522 Larkfield Center, Santa Rosa
San Antonio Volunteer Fire
2:00pm-7:00pm Tuesday, December 17, 2013 Elks Lodge - Meeting Room: 2105 South McDowell Blvd, Petaluma
Sebastopol Fire Department
2:00pm-7:00pm, Tuesday, December 17, 2013 Truck Bay: 7425 Bodega Ave, Sebastopol
Forestville Fire Department
3:00pm-7:00pm, Wednesday, December 18, 2013 Meeting Room: 6554 Mirabel Rd., Forestville
Fort Bragg Fire Department
11:00am-3:00pm, Thursday, December 19, 2013 C.V. Starr Community Center: 300 S. Lincoln Street, Fort Bragg
Middletown Fire Department
10:00am-2:00pm, Friday, December 20, 2013 Fire Station Meeting Room: 21095 State Hwy 175, Middletown
Mendocino Fire Department
2:00pm-6:00pm, Monday, January 6, 2014 Fire Station: 44700 Little Lake Rd, Mendocino
Rancho Adobe Fire
2:00pm-6:00pm, Thursday, January 9, 2014 Bloodmobile: 11000 Main Street, Penngrove
Geyserville FPD
2:30pm-7:30pm, Friday, January 10, 2014 Truck Bay: 20975 Geyserville Ave, Geyserville
Windsor Fire Protection
9:00am-2:00pm, Saturday, January 11, 2014 Fire Station #2: 8600 Windsor Rd, Windsor
Petaluma Fire Department
8:00am-12:00pm, Monday, January 13, 2014 Truck Bay: 198 D St, Petaluma
Healdsburg Fire Department
2:00pm-7:00pm, Wednesday, January 15, 2014 Truck Bay: 601 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg
Rohnert Park Dept. of Public Safety
10:00am-2:00pm, Friday, January 17, 2014 Truck Bay: 5200 Country Club Dr, Rohnert Park
Lakeport Fire Department
9:00am-2:00pm, Saturday, January 18, 2014 Truck Bay & Lounge: 445 N Main St, Lakeport
Sonoma Co. Dept. of Fire
10:30am-2:30pm, Tuesday, January 21 2014 Donor Coach: 2550 Ventura Ave, Santa Rosa
