South King Fire and Rescue and Federal Way police will go head-to-head in the first Helen Keller Day basketball game at 2 p.m. today, Feb. 7, at Decatur High School, 2800 S.W. 320th St.

The event is organized by the Federal Way Lions Club. Proceeds will go toward helping individuals experiencing eyesight or hearing loss, Lions Club member Dick Mayer said.

“Here’s a chance for us to give back to all those in our community who can’t see or can’t hear,” he said.

The Lions gather eyeglasses and hearing aides on a consistent basis. About 500 pairs of eyeglasses are collected by the club per month, Mayer said. Most of the items are sent to Third World countries, he said. The basketball game is a way for residents to support those closer to home and watch a friendly rivalry play itself out.

In 2001 and again in 2006, police and fire departments competed in a Guns and Hoses Softball Challenge. Police took home the trophy. Last September, the fire department won a chili cook-off.

The competition has both agencies talking up their game.

“It will be a slam dunk,” SKFR Chief Al Church said in a Jan. 27 press release.

The game is free to the public. A $5 donation will get attendees a hot dog, chips and drink. Eyeglasses and hearing aides will also be accepted.

A Thomas Jefferson High School student will lead the National Anthem and city council member Linda Kochmar will compete in a hoop-shooting contest. A raffle will also occur. Prizes include Seattle Supersonics memorabilia and a ticket to view the Harlem Globetrotters.

The event will feature an education element. It is named after Helen Keller — a woman born in 1880 and who, as a toddler, contracted a disease that left her blind and deaf. Keller learned to speak, read Braille and communicate despite her disabilities. She went on to become an author, political activist and advocate for the deaf and blind.

“Kids of today don’t know Helen Keller very well,” Mayer said. “We are going to try to revitalize her impact.”