Team Guns or Team Hoses? This Abilene Blood Drive Could Save Someone You Love

If you've lived in Texas for any amount of time, you know we'll turn just about anything into a friendly competition. Chili cook-offs. BBQ. Friday night football. Heck, we'll even argue over the best taco joint in town.

But this might be my favorite competition of them all because the prize isn't bragging rights; it's saving lives.

The annual Rodney Holder Memorial Guns & Hoses Blood Drive is back, and once again our local law enforcement officers and firefighters are battling it out to see who can inspire the most blood donations. It's a rivalry where everybody comes out a winner.

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Why This Blood Drive Means So Much

Abilene Police Department/Canva

The event honors Officer Rodney Holder, a longtime Abilene police officer, military veteran, and dedicated blood donor who was tragically killed in the line of duty in 2010. The blood drive began the following year to carry on his legacy of helping others, and it's become one of Abilene's best community traditions.

Where and When to Donate

This year's blood drive runs:

• Tuesday, July 28 & Wednsday, July 29
• 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

You can donate at either location:

• Hendrick Regional Blood Center, 1701 Pine Street
• Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District, 850 N. 6th Street

When you donate, you'll get to vote for either the Guns (law enforcement) or the Hoses (firefighters and rescue personnel), helping your favorite team claim the traveling trophy. Donors also receive a commemorative T-shirt while supplies last and a pint of Blue Bell ice cream, which is about as Texas as it gets.

One Donation Can Make a Huge Difference

Summer is one of the toughest times of year for blood centers because donations usually drop while the need stays high. Hendrick Regional Blood Center supplies blood to hospitals across a 19-county region, meaning your donation could help accident victims, cancer patients, premature babies, or someone facing emergency surgery.

So whether you're Team Guns, Team Hoses, or just Team "Let's Help Somebody Today," roll up your sleeve and donate.

This is one rivalry where saving lives is the only score that really matters.