As the American Red Cross continues to face a critical blood shortage, the organization is asking all eligible donors of all types to donate.
All who give blood or platelets with the Red Cross from July 26 to August 31 will be emailed a $5 Target eGiftCard™ in appreciation.
Earlier in July, an emergency call for blood and platelet donors was issued after almost 61,000 fewer blood donations than needed were given through the Red Cross in May and June.
There was a 30 percent increase in blood donation appointments through mid-July, however it is still not enough as blood products are sent to hospitals as fast as they are received, according to the Red Cross.
Appointments to donate can be made through the Blood Donor App, redcrossblood.org, or 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Upcoming donation opportunities in the Santa Clarita area:
Santa Clarita
7/26/2017: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Santa Clarita Old West Masonic Lodge, 19310 Avenue of the Oaks
7/28/2017: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Best Buy, 26351 Bouquet Canyon Rd.
8/2/2017: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Santa Clarita Old West Masonic Lodge, 19310 Avenue of the Oaks
8/9/2017: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. ., Santa Clarita Old West Masonic Lodge, 19310 Avenue of the Oaks
8/11/2017: 11:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Residence Inn Fairfield Inn by Marriot, 25320 The Old Road
8/12/2017: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. ., Santa Clarita Old West Masonic Lodge, 19310 Avenue of the Oaks
Valencia
7/27/2017: 12:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Valencia Library, 23743 Valencia Blvd.
7/31/2017: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Honda Performance Development, 25145 Anza Dr.
8/10/2017: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Santa Clarita City Hall, 23921 Valencia Blvd.
8/15/2017: 7 p.m. – 7 p.m., Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, 23845 McBean Pky.