Give Blood, Get Gift Cards In Lake Forest: October Blood Drives

LAKE FOREST, CA — While summer changes to fall, the American Red Cross's need for life-saving blood remains the same.

"While October can bea shoulder season between severe summer and winter weather, it is often unpredictable," American Red Cross Spokesperson Christine Welch said. "When the blood supply is stable, blood products can be moved wherever and whenever they are needed — even in the face of natural disasters."

Lake Forest residents who donate blood between Sept. 21 through Oct. 18 will receive a free $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice.

Following Oct. 18, residents who donate through Nov. 22 will receive a $10 Amazon gift card by email and 500 bonus points, which can be redeemed for an additional $10 e-gift card through Blood Donor Rewards.

For more details regarding the point system, visit the American Red Cross's website.

Here's the run-down on blood drives happening around town this month:

Lake Forest

• Oct. 15 from noon to 6 p.m. — Lake Forest Sports Park & Recreation Center, 28000 Rancho Pkwy., Lake Forest.
• Oct. 30 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Anatolia Cultural Centers, 25351 Commercentre Dr., Lake Forest.

Mission Viejo

• Oct. 15 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 27976 Marguerite Pkwy., Mission Viejo.
• Oct. 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. — Capistrano Valley High School, 26301 Via Escolar, Mission Viejo.
• Oct. 22 from noon to 6 p.m. — Mission Viejo Elks Lodge, 25092 Marguerite Pkwy., Mission Viejo.

Rancho Santa Margarita

• Oct. 22 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Santa Margarita Water District, 26111 Antonio Pkwy., Rancho Santa Margarita.
• Oct. 25 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. — St. John Episcopal Church, 30382 Via Con Dios, Rancho Santa Margarita.

To make an appointment to give blood today, visit the American Red Cross's website.