Donate Blood, Get A $10 Gift Card April: Mission Viejo Blood Drives

MISSION VIEJO, CA — While seasons change and clocks move forward, the American Red Cross's need for blood remains the same. Donors of all blood types — especially type O blood donors and those giving platelets — are needed to keep the blood supply strong enough to support critical patient care this spring.

"The Red Cross depends on thousands of volunteer blood donors to collect about 12,000 blood donations every single day," the Red Cross said in a statement. "With no substitute for blood and no way to manufacture it, volunteer donors are essential in transfusion care."

To help get potential donors in a giving mood, the Red Cross will be offering a free $10 e-gift card to a merchant of the donor's choice, plus automatic entry into a chance to win a $7,000 gift card from April 8 through April 28.

In Mission Viejo, residents can book an appointment through the Red Cross's website.

Here are some upcoming blood drives happening near you:

• April 18, 2 p.m. - 8 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 27976 Marguerite Parkway.
• April 26, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Grit Strength and PT, 28892 Marguerite Parkway.