Give blood + get free Barons tickets or Amazon gift card at these 2 local events

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Calling all Birmingham-area heroes! The American Red Cross is teaming up with local legends this summer for two can’t-miss blood drives filled with freebies, life-saving donations and some friendly competition. 

Here’s how you can roll up a sleeve, score some free stuff and support the Hoover Fire and Police Departments on June 18 and the Birmingham Barons, July 8-9.

Boots & Badges Blood Drive at Hoover City Hall—June 18

Hoover’s favorite rivalry is back this June with the 5th annual Boots & Badges Blood Drive with the American Red Cross. This unique event is a friendly competition between the Hoover Police Department and the Hoover Fire Department to see who can recruit the most blood donors from the community.

Here’s how it works:

• Donate blood at Hoover City Hall on June 18 between 7:30AM and 6PM.
• Cast your vote for the department you stand with—Hoover Police or Hoover Fire.
• Let the competition begin!

(L-R) Chief Chief Derzis, Hoover Police Department and Chief Bentley, Hoover Fire Department donate blood each year during the Boots & Badges Blood Drive (American Red Cross)

The winning department’s Chief not only gets bragging rights but will also walk away with a trophy and the coveted winner’s plaque to display in their office until next year’s competition. 

• In 2024, Hoover Fire took home the win with 125 units of blood collected. 
• This year, the American Red Cross hopes to collect 130 units. 

But it’s up to you to help make it happen!

Along with the chance to make an impact and save lives, everyone who donates blood will score some great freebies, including:

• Donuts in the morning
• Pizza in the afternoon
• A 2025 Boots & Badges T-shirt
• A $15 Amazon e-gift card

Boots & Badges Blood Drive details

• When: Wednesday, June 18 | 7:30AM-6:30PM
• Where: Hoover City Hall, 100 Municipal Dr, Hoover, AL 35216
• To donate during the event: Make an appointment by visiting this link + typing in the sponsor keyword “Hoover”.

Don’t miss the American Red Cross’ Blood Drive with the Birmingham Barons—July 8-9

American Red Cross. Home Run Hero Blood Drive. (Sabrina Palmer / Bham Now)

Batter up! The American Red Cross is teaming up with the Birmingham Barons for their annual Home Run Hero Blood Drive at Regions Field this July. 

Not only will you get to take in the gorgeous views of home plate and The Magic City skyline, you’ll also get to meet the Barons mascot Babe Ruff—all while saving lives. 

Everyone who donates blood during the two-day event will walk away with some awesome free swag, including:

• A Red Cross T-shirt
• 2 tickets to any upcoming Birmingham Barons home game
• An exclusive pair of Red Cross Goodr sunglasses

Home Run Hero Blood Drive details

• When: 
  • Tuesday, July 8 | 12-6PM
  • Wednesday, July 9 | 1-6PM
• Where: Regions Field, 2nd Floor Banquet Room, 1401 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
• To donate during the event: Make an appointment by visiting this link + typing in the sponsor keyword “homerunhero”.

Why donate with the American Red Cross?

• The American Red Cross often sees blood supplies decline during the summer months, which means a critical nationwide need for blood. 
• Alabama requires about 350 blood donations each day to meet the needs of the 82 area hospitals the American Red Cross supplies. This includes local hospitals like UAB + Children’s Hospital. By not meeting supply needs, countless lives are lost.
• The donation process is quick and easy. From start to finish, donating blood takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, including check-in and the actual donation process. The donation itself takes about 8-10 minutes.
  • Bonus: You’ll also get free snacks when you’re done. 

To be a blood donor, you must:

• Be at least 17 years old
• Weigh at least 110 lbs
• Be in good health + feeling well

Find the full list of blood donation requirements here.

Think you can’t be a blood donor? Check out these 5 myths we busted with help from our local American Red Cross. 

Are you ready to cast your vote in Hoover or catch a Barons game? Book your appointment with the American Red Cross now. 

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