Donate Blood, Get A Gift Card In Mission Viejo: Blood Drives

MISSION VIEJO, CA — As the seasons change and temperatures cool, the American Red Cross's need for blood remains the same.

Donors of all blood types — especially those with type O blood, those giving platelets and first-time donors — are needed now, American Red Cross Representative Christine Welch said.

"Only 3 out of 100 Americans donate blood," the American Red Cross said in a statement. "With the blood supply still at critical levels, every single donation is key to making sure all patients relying on lifesaving transfusions, including car accident victims and those living with sickle cell disease, get the care they need."

To encourage donations, the American Red Cross is gifting every person who donates blood by Sept. 30 a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice.

Those who donate blood from Oct. 1 through Oct. 31 will receive a $10 Amazon gift card by email.

In Mission Viejo, residents can make an appointment to donate blood here.

Here's a run-down on blood drives in and around Mission Viejo:

• Sept. 25 — 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saddleback Valley Unified School District, 25631 Peter A Harman Way.
• Sept. 26 — noon to 6 p.m., Mission Viejo City Hall, 200 Civic Center Dr.
• Oct. 1 — 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Lake Mission Viejo Association, 22555 Olympiad Road.
• Oct. 4 — noon to 6 p.m., the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 27976 Margeurite Parkway.