Pocatello's police officers and firefighters are trading their badges for basketball shoes Saturday night in a charity showdown that's all for a good cause.

The Pocatello Police Department and Pocatello Fire Department will face off in the "Hoops and Heroes" Battle of the Badges charity basketball game at 7 p.m. at Pocatello High School's "Pit" Gym. All proceeds go directly to The Gathering Place, a local nonprofit that provides a safe, welcoming spot for students to grab a snack, hang out and stay productive after school. The game is sponsored by the Pocatello Fire Union and Pocatello Police Union and everyone is welcome to attend.

The Pocatello Police Department is also teaming up with the Idaho State University Honors Program for two separate donation drives benefiting Aid for Friends, a local organization that provides shelter, essential services and personal and professional support to individuals and families experiencing or facing homelessness.

The first drive is a hygiene drive organized by students in ISU's HONS 3302: Civic Engagement and Research Seminar. Needed items include body wipes, deodorant, body wash, dry conditioner, clippers, razors, cotton swabs and lotion. Monetary donations are also being accepted.

The second drive is a Welcome Home Kit drive collecting household essentials to help individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness. Needed items include laundry hampers, waste baskets, trash can liners, cleaning sponges, mop buckets, multi-purpose cleaner, sanitizing wipes, toilet brushes, Pine Sol, paper towels, toilet paper, dish soap, place settings, saucepans, frying pans, wooden spoons, spatulas, shower curtains and rings, Ziploc bags and laundry detergent.

Both drives run March 17 through April 18. Donations can be dropped off at the Pocatello Police Department Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information on Aid for Friends and their current needs, visit aidforfriendspocatello.com or call 208-282-4435.