Bloodmobile to Visit Redondo Beach

The Redondo Beach Police Department will once again participate in the American Red Cross-sponsored "Battle of the Badges" blood drive when the Bloodmobile parks in front of the police station at 401 Diamond Street on Thursday at 7 a.m.

The seventh annual blood drive, which lasts until 7 p.m. Thursday, "is an opportunity for all badge-carrying personnel, along with their friends and family, to positively impact our community to see who can donate the most blood and ultimately help save the most lives," according to a news release from the police department.

According to the Red Cross, "blood supplies typically fall to critically low levels during the winter months." The Battle of the Badges aims to have at least 5,500 badge-carrying personnel across Southern California donate blood.

All blood drive participants will receive a Battle of the Badges T-shirt, a coupon for a free appetizer from Mimi's Cafe and a coupon for free admission for two at the Laugh Factory.

To make an appointment to participate in the blood drive, visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code BADGE, or contact Officer Don Martinez at don.martinez@redondo.org or 310-379-2477 ext. 2565.

People who plan to donate blood must be 16 years old or older, weigh 110 pounds or more, and generally be in good health. People can donate blood every 56 days—up to six times per year.