Updated Dec. 27, 5:29 p.m.–
Last-minute gift shoppers at Sunrise Mall had a chance to squeeze in an extra gift on Christmas Eve, as “Blood Mobiles” were set up in the parking lot offering free movie tickets to those who helped infuse supplies during a customarily low donation season.
“The holiday season typically sees a dip in blood donations, but the need for constant blood supply remains the same,” said BloodSource Public Relations Manager Alexander Sigua, adding the organization strives to draw an average of 700 pints of blood each day in order to meet the needs of patients across Northern and Central California.
He cited a variety of reasons for the seasonal downturn, like potential donors’ minds being focused on holiday shopping and travel, but stressed it’s “critically important” for generous donors to roll up their sleeves this time of year and help save a life.
Sigua also said BloodSource buses were out at Sunrise Mall over Thanksgiving weekend, bringing about 550 donors out, including 66 who had never donated before.
Although Sigua said the free movie ticket offer was a short-term promotional, BloodSource regularly accepts donations at over a dozen of its centers around the state, with the closest being in Fair Oaks.
BloodSource is a Sacramento-based nonprofit primarily serving over 40 hospitals and 30 counties in Northern and Central California.
