The annual friendly rivalry brings students, families, alumni, and community members together to donate blood and support hospital patients in need
New York Blood Center (NYBC) is teaming up with Rye High School and Harrison High School for the second annual “Harrison vs. Rye High School Blood Donation Competition,” a friendly community challenge where the two schools will compete to see which can collect the most blood donations.
Inspired by the long-standing football tradition, known locally as “The Game,” the annual competition encourages students, families, alumni, faculty, and community members to rally behind their school while supporting those in need. In 2025, the competition generated 71 lifesaving blood donations that helped impact the lives of nearly 200 patients, with Harrison High School taking home the trophy.
This year’s competition will run from Wednesday, October 7th to Tuesday, October 13th, with the winner announced during “The Game” on Saturday, October 17th at Rye High School. Community members can participate by donating at the Rye Donor Center or a local blood drive. The City of Rye and Town of Harrison will kick off the competition by hosting their own blood drives on Thursday, October 8th.
“We are thrilled to once again partner with Rye and Harrison High Schools for this spirited competition,” said Jeannie Mascolino, Vice President, Blood Operations at New York Blood Center. “What began as a friendly rivalry has become a meaningful opportunity for students, families, and community members to come together and make a lifesaving difference.”
In light of recent updates to FDA guidance, more people than ever may now be eligible to give. Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. To view current eligibility guidelines or make an appointment, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit nybc.org.
The City of Rye and Town of Harrison community blood drives and their locations are below. Blood donors may also donate at NYBC’s Rye Donor Center.
- City of Rye: Thursday, October 8, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Rye City Hall, 1051 Boston Post Road, Rye, NY 10580
To make an appointment at this blood drive, visit this link.
- Town of Harrison: Thursday, October 8, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Veterans Memorial Building, 210 Halstead Avenue, Harrison, NY 10528
To make an appointment at this blood drive, visit this link.
- Rye Donor Center: Wednesday, October 7, 2026 – Tuesday, October 13, 2026
601 Midland Ave, Entrance 2, Rye, NY 10580
To make an appointment at this blood drive, visit this link.