Donate Blood, Win Free Gas For A Year In Rancho Santa Margarita

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA — In recent weeks, a decline in blood donations has caused the American Red Cross blood supply to drop nearly 20 percent, the foundation announced Wednesday.

To combat the possibility of a seasonal 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 between Monday and Aug. 31 will automatically be entered to win free gas for a year. Donors will also receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice, according to an American Red Cross news release.

In Rancho Santa Margarita, residents can schedule appointments for the following blood drives:

• Aug. 8, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Location: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 30522 Via Con Dios.
• Aug. 11, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Location: Foothills Church, 23122 Arroyo Vista.
• Thursday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Location: Founders Park, 28275 Avendale Blvd., Ladera Ranch.

“This is a concerning trend that may soon make it tougher to keep blood products stocked on hospital shelves,” Red Cross senior vice president of donor services Paul Sullivan said in a news release. “By choosing a time to give now, donors can help pump up the blood supply for those in immediate need of lifesaving care and those who rely on transfusions for treatment.”

To schedule an appointment, Rancho Santa Margarita residents can visit the American Red Cross website and enter their zip code to find their nearest blood drive.