Donate Blood In RSM Amid Shortage: Where To Donate

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA — While the season changes from summer to fall, the American Red Cross' need for donated blood remains the same — especially amid a current nationwide blood shortage.

The American Red Cross is hosting a slew of blood drives across Orange County and offering an abundance of incentives for scheduling an appointment.

All donors who donate blood through Aug. 17 will automatically be entered to win a three-night New York getaway for two with a private shark dive adventure at Long Island Aquarium, courtesy of Warner Bros. for the theatrical release of "Meg 2: The Trench."

Residents who donate blood throughout the month of August will automatically receive a free $10 gift card to a vendor of their choice.

In Rancho Santa Margarita, the American Red Cross is hosting the following drives:

• Aug. 7: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 30522 Via Con Dios.
• Aug. 10: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Foothills Church, 23122 Arroyo Vista.
• Aug. 11: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church Rancho Santa Margarita Campus, 30605 Avenida de las Flores.
• Aug. 15: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet Club, 25291 Vista Del Verde.

To find an American Red Cross blood drive close to you, visit the nonprofit's website