Blood Donors Sought During the Holidays

There is one holiday gift that is difficult to find, does not cost any money and can change someone’s life.

The American Red Cross needs blood donors to compensate for a decrease in donations during the holiday season as shoppers spend more time in malls and less time giving the precious fluid to the thousands of Southern Californians who need it.

“In the weeks leading up to Christmas, our collections drop up to 50%,” said Barbara Wilks, spokeswoman for the American Red Cross Blood Services in Los Angeles. “There are a lot of people who rely on this blood and blood products for their survival, including hemophiliacs and people with anemias.”

Wilks urged residents of the San Fernando, Santa Clarita and Antelope valleys to make a trip to the blood donation center at 14717 Sherman Way, Van Nuys.

The center accepts donations from noon to 7:15 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and 7:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Fridays. The center is also open from 7:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Saturdays, except Christmas and New Year’s.

Donors must be 17 or older, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and not at risk for HIV/AIDS. Appointments can be made by calling (800) 974-2113.