It’s Christmas time and if Grandma should happen to get run over by a reindeer, she may need a blood transfusion instead of a new sweater.

Which is why the Linden Red Cross is hosting its first ever Guns-N-Hoses Blood Drive today from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Linden City Hall.

In order to combat recent blood shortages, the Linden Police Department and the Linden Fire Department are competing against each other to see which community organization can collect the most blood.

“They mentioned something about a competition,” Linden Police Chief Jeff Laduron said about the Red Cross, “but people are just going to come out and give blood.”

Laduron said his force is participating in the event simply because the location is convenient and the holidays are a crucial time for blood supplies.

“Well, the reason we participated is because it’s a good time of year,” he said. “Around this time there are so many accidents and this is a good time to help somebody.”

Although Laduron plans on donating blood, he can’t say the same for Linden officers.

“They won’t commit. They wait and decide at the last minute,” he said.

Emma Thomas from the Linden Red Cross said all donors need to be at least 17 years of age, have no hypertension problems and bring a driver’s license, donor card or two other forms of identification.

“Make sure you eat a full meal in the morning before you come to give blood,” Thomas added.

Donors can choose to give on behalf of their favorite community service organization and the winning force will receive a traveling trophy.

“I have no idea who’s going to win,” Laduron said. “We’ll just have to wait and see.”

For more information, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (448-3543) or visit www.redcrossblood.org.