Sentinel staff report–
Local gift shoppers will have an opportunity to give a “heart-felt” gift this weekend during a seasonal blood drive set up in the Marketplace at Birdcage in Citrus Heights.
Vitalant, formerly known locally as BloodSource, will be teaming up with 98 Rock to offer a free t-shirt to donors during the three day event, which will begin this Friday and conclude Sunday. The organization’s “bloodmobiles” will be set up in front of the Men’s Wearhouse at 6177 Sunrise Blvd. to take blood donations from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
According to a news release about the event, the holiday season is a “very challenging time to collect blood.” Vitalant cites a variety of reasons for the seasonal slowdown, including regular blood donors being unavailable during holiday travels, along with cold and flu season keeping many donors from being healthy enough to donate.
To be eligible as a whole blood donor, participants must be at least 18 years old — or as young as 16 with a signed parental consent form — weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and “be in good general health.” Donors also need to bring a photo ID.
Parental consent forms and additional information about eligibility for other types of donations are available at Vitalant’s website.
