Rapid City, SD – The South Dakota Wildland Fire and the South Dakota Highway Patrol are reviving their popular friendly competition to encourage blood donations ahead of the holiday season. The second‑annual “Pistols and Pulaskis Blood Drive” will take place on Friday, Nov. 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Rapid City Outdoor Campus, 4130 Adventure Trail.
How the competition works
Donors can choose to give blood on behalf of either the Wildland Fire crew or the Highway Patrol. The agency that collects the most donations will earn bragging rights and keep the event’s gold trophy until next year. This light‑hearted rivalry not only adds excitement but also helps raise awareness about the seasonal dip in blood donations.
Why the drive matters
Organizers note that blood donations often decline during the holiday season, making community participation especially important. By turning the drive into a contest, they hope to motivate more residents to step forward and help keep the nation’s blood supply stable when hospitals need it most.
How to donate
Space is limited, so appointments are strongly encouraged. Donors can schedule an appointment online through Vitalant’s website or call Vitalant at 877‑258‑4825 and request the Pistols and Pulaskis Blood Drive. Walk‑ins will be accepted if capacity allows, but scheduling ensures a smoother experience for both donors and staff.
Community involvement
The event is a partnership between the two state agencies and Vitalant, a nonprofit blood collection organization that serves the Upper Midwest. Local businesses and volunteers often lend a hand, providing refreshments and logistical support. The drive also serves as a reminder of the strong tradition of service that characterizes Rapid City’s citizens.
What to expect on the day
Donors will be welcomed at the Outdoor Campus, where they can enjoy the open‑air setting while waiting for their turn. Both agencies will have booths with information about their missions, and the trophy will be displayed prominently to keep the friendly competition front and center. After donating, participants receive a small token of appreciation and the satisfaction of knowing they helped save lives.
Looking ahead
Should the Wildland Fire or Highway Patrol win this year’s trophy, the victorious agency will hold it until the next annual drive, scheduled for the fall of 2027. Organizers hope the tradition will continue to grow, drawing more donors each year and reinforcing Rapid City’s reputation as a caring, community‑focused city.
For more information, visit the Vitalant website or contact the Rapid City Outdoor Campus directly.
Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.
