The city of Surprise is partnering with Vitalant Blood Donation to host a special “Battle of the Badges” blood drive this week.

The community is invited to participate in the battle between the Surprise Fire-Medical and Police departments from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11 inside the Community Room at Surprise City Hall, 16000 N. Civic Center Plaza.

Each donor can show their support to one of the teams by choosing either an “I support Surprise Police” or an “I Support Surprise Fire-Medical” sticker.

At the end of the blood drive, the team with the most donors will win bragging rights as the most supported team in the “Battle of the Badges.”

“Participation in this friendly rivalry is fun, easy and will help save lives,” city officials wrote in a news release.

Community members wanting to participate are encouraged to make a donation appointment through the Vitalant website using Blood Drive Code p1T62. Walk-ins will be taken, but those with an appointment will be given priority.

For questions or information on the above blood drives, contact Fire and Life Safety Education Specialist Jamie Michler at 623-222-5127.

Vitalant is providing special gifts through their donor rewards program for those who participate. From Sept. 8 to 30, all donors will be entered for a chance to win one of two $10,000 gift cards. Find details at vitalant.org/SeptGiveaway.

As a local nonprofit, Vitalant’s donations stay in the community.

An average of 5,500 blood donations are needed to meet patient needs every day.

“This is an opportunity to positively impact the lives of so many others,” the city wrote.