LAKEPORT, Calif. — Vitalant, in coordination with 19 fire departments across Sonoma, Lake and Mendocino counties, is proud to announce the 17th annual Bucket Brigade Blood Drive Challenge.

The challenge is a friendly competition among participating fire departments to see which department can host the largest blood drive between December and January by enlisting firefighters, friends, family and members of the community to donate lifesaving blood.

A blood drive event will take place on Thursday, Dec. 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. at the Lakeport Fire Department, 445 N Main St.

To find a drive near you, visit https://vitalant.org/bucketbrigade.

For your donation, please arrive well-hydrated, well-nourished, with a face mask and photo identification.

For eligibility information and to learn more about how we are adjusting to the pandemic, visit www.vitalant.org.