It's Time for Killeen's Boots VS Badges Blood Drive

The Killeen Fire Department and Police Department are going head to head in competition while hosting a blood drive.

On Thursday, Aug. 12 from 10 AM to 3 PM, you can stop in to the Community Center parking lot at 2201 E. Veterans Memorial to donate blood during the 3rd annual Battle of the Badges blood drive.

City of Killeen Press Release

The City of Killeen is partnering with Carter BloodCare to host the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive. The event will feature ‘boots’ versus ‘badges’, with the Killeen Police Department and the Killeen Fire Department encouraging blood donations with a friendly rivalry. The community is invited to donate blood, then cast their ballot for either department.

For each unit, donors will receive 1 vote of their choice for either BADGES (police) or BOOTS (fire). The BADGES are defending champions, and have claimed bragging rights for 2 years in a row!

In the end, everyone involved will truly be a winner, but the department with the least amount of votes will have to wash the vehicles of the winning department. The community is encouraged to attend and enjoy music, snacks, and fun while donating to a good cause.

To schedule an appointment to donate, click here. Walk-ups will also be accepted during the blood drive.

Here are some tips for preparation from Carter BloodCare:

"Beginning the day before, focus on drinking plenty of water prior to your donation. Eat a hearty meal the night before your donation and get plenty of rest. Eat a well-balanced meal one to two hours prior to donation and remember to drink water throughout the day and limit caffeine intake."

Good luck to both departments!

It's Time to 'Stuff the Bus' for Central Texas Students

The new school year is just around the corner, and Central Texas students will face unique challenges as we put the pandemic behind us and look to the future.

One challenge no child should face is being without the essential school supplies they'll need to live up to their potential and achieve academic success.

That's where you and I come in. From July 19 to August 15, you can donate school supplies at the following locations. Donated supplies will benefit students in need in Belton ISD, Killeen ISD, and Temple ISD. (Click each district to view their 2021-2022 school supply lists.)