Battle of the Chambers blood drive kicks off

SIKESTON, Mo. (KBSI) –   A little friendly competition is helping to save lives. The ‘Battle of the Chambers’ blood drive kicked off today, May 5, 2026. 

As part of the battle of the chambers blood drive, blood drives were held in Cape Girardeau, and Sikeston today, with one of the Sikeston blood drives taking place at the Sikeston high school where students got to join in.

“The American Red Cross, and FFA has a long history of living to serve, that’s part of our motto. So, we try to help out our community and different organizations as we go” says Sikeston Agriculture teacher Nick Nordwald.

Amanda Joyce is the Blood Services Account Manager for the American Red Cross of Cape she shares that summertime brings an increased need for blood donations.

“We’re getting ready to get into a season where we’re going to start seeing the blood levels or supply drop” says Joyce. “Alot of people are going to be going on vacation, traveling. We’re going to see a lot more injuries in our hospitals, in our city. So, it’s really important to donate know  it’s not the blood that you donate when you need it. It’s the blood that’s already been donated back on the shelves.” 

If you missed the drives today there are multiple other blood drives happening in both Jackson and Perryville throughout this week. Sikeston Agriculture Teacher Nick Nordwald says the blood drive gives FFA students a great learning experience and way to give back.

“For the first time it’s kind of intimidating when you’re walking into a new place and you don’t know what to do. So here we have students they know that will come stand beside them when they’re giving blood and talk to them as they’re about to give blood and that kind of helps to hold the nerves down and it’s just good to give” says Nordwald.

For more information on Battle of the Chambers Blood Drives.