A weeklong blood drive pitting Rye against Harrison opens Wednesday, Oct. 7.

The second annual Harrison vs. Rye High School Blood Donation Competition runs through Tuesday, Oct. 13. The New York Blood Center (NYBC) organized the challenge, which ties into "The Game," the long-running football rivalry between the two schools.

The school whose supporters give the most blood wins a trophy. It will be presented at The Game on Saturday, Oct. 17, at Rye High School.

Harrison took the trophy last year. The 2025 competition drew 71 donations. The blood center said those donations helped nearly 200 patients, as first reported by Patch.

Jeannie Mascolino, vice president of blood operations at the New York Blood Center, said in a statement that the competition connects the rival schools to a larger cause.

"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," Mascolino said.

Students, families, alumni, faculty and other community members can donate at three locations during the competition window:

  • Rye City Hall Chambers, 1051 Boston Post Road: Thursday, Oct. 8, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., according to the city's announcement.
  • Harrison Veterans Memorial Building, 210 Halstead Ave.: Thursday, Oct. 8, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Rye Donor Center, 601 Midland Ave., Entrance 2, Rye: any day from Oct. 7 through Oct. 13.

Donors who visit the Midland Avenue center and want their donation counted toward Rye can use sponsor code 72498, the city said. To sign up or learn more, visit the NYBC competition page or call (800) 933-2566.

The schools have not posted kickoff details for the Oct. 17 game.

Upcoming community dates

  • Wednesday, Oct. 7: Blood drive competition donation window opens at the Rye Donor Center, 601 Midland Ave.
  • Thursday, Oct. 8: Blood drives at Rye City Hall (10 a.m.–2:30 p.m.) and Harrison Veterans Memorial Building (11 a.m.–5 p.m.)
  • Tuesday, Oct. 13: Final day to donate for the competition
  • Saturday, Oct. 17: Winner announced at The Game, Rye High School