LANCASTER — Finding enough blood donors to sustain an adequate blood supply is a challenge at any time of the year. Add in the hustle and bustle of the holidays, and that task becomes even more difficult.
To help boost the blood supply this holiday season, the Antelope Valley Hospital (AVH) Blood Donor Center is giving away free apple or pumpkin pies to the first 24 donors who donate a pint of blood on Tuesday, Nov. 25, and Wednesday, Nov. 26.
“We’re hoping to jumpstart the holiday spirit by encouraging donations before the four-day Thanksgiving weekend,” said Antelope Valley Hospital Blood Services Coordinator, Ellen Gaines. “This precious gift could save a newborn child, help heal an injured teen or put a neighbor back on the road to recovery.”
All donors receive a free cholesterol test and all blood collected will be used for patients at Antelope Valley Hospital. It only takes about 5-10 minutes to give a pint of blood, but donors should plan to spend about an hour in order to complete the entire process.
How to donate
The AVH Blood Donor Center is located on the hospital’s campus in the Antelope Valley Outpatient Imaging Center, 44105 15th Street West, Suite 305, at the intersection of 15th Street West and Avenue J-5.
Though the Blood Donor Center will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, its regular hours of operation are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the first and third Saturdays of each month from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, or donors can make an appointment by calling 661-949-5622.
“Donating blood is a wonderful way to give back during the holidays,” said Dennis Knox, chief executive officer for Antelope Valley Hospital. “You never know when someone you care about may need blood, so please come spread the goodwill by calling or stopping by the Antelope Valley Hospital Blood Donor Center today.”
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Ashley says
I think this is a good way to get the community involved especially since so many people won’t do anything unless they get something in return.
However with that said, How sad is it that you must get a pie to donate blood?
God forbid that you don’t need blood one day but are unable to get it because the donation center ran out of pies and people didn’t donate.