MADISON – Three groups in Madison who are well known for their outreach to help residents have banded together for an event that will “give the gift of life.”

Post 229 of Madison American Legion, Boy Scouts of Troop 201 and firefighters with Madison Fire and Rescue Department have collaborated to sponsor a joint blood drive.

The blood drive will be held on Nov. 12 at Madison Fire Station, no. 1 at 101 Mill Road (adjacent to City Hall). The drive will start at 10 a.m. and end at 4 p.m.

The only prerequisite to give blood is good health, according to LifeSouth Community Blood Centers. LifeSouth employees will complete screenings to confirm that a donor has no health problems. To schedule an appointment in advance, visit donors.lifesouth.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/770861.

“The American Legion Post is supporting the drive as the charter organization (sponsor) to the Scouts. The Madison Fire Department is participating in support of the Scouts and community, as well,” Larry Vannoy said. Vannoy serves as American Legion Commander for Madison County and for Post 229 in Madison.

Glen Norris volunteers with Boy Scouts Troop 201 in Madison and is a member of Madison American Legion, Post 229.

Scouts who are pursuing the Health Care Professionals Merit Badge can complete one of the key requirements by supporting the blood drive. “The hope is to make this a recurring event, which provides a much needed resource to our local community while providing an avenue for Scouts throughout the area to work towards a Merit Badge,” Vannoy said.

“Under the American Legion’s pillar of Americanism, our organization builds enthusiasm for public service among young people through such programs as the Scouts of America,” Vannoy said. “This blood drive also supports an American Legion initiative that dates back to Pearl Harbor and World War II.”

During 1942, American Legion posts worldwide collected blood for the American Red Cross to cover growing needs for plasma in war fronts and home fronts. The American Legion National Blood Donor Program emerged in the 1940s and is as relevant today as during World War II.

“Hosting blood drives is in the fabric of the American Legion’s mission, and we look forward to supporting this joint effort for many years,” Vannoy said.

For more information, visit Facebook/American Legion Post 229, AmericanLegionPost229.org or lifesouth.org.