San Diego: Give Blood, Get Free Holiday Bowl Tickets

SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Blood Bank and San Diego County Credit Union are holding a blood drive Thursday, offering donors a pair of free tickets to next month's SDCCU Holiday Bowl.

The inaugural Holiday Bowl Blood Drive is an effort to replenish depleted blood supplies around the county at a time of the year when donations are often greatly needed. The event kicks off the blood bank's Season of Giving campaign to collect blood donations throughout the holiday season.

"SDCCU has been a longtime supporter of the life-saving efforts of the San Diego Blood Bank," SDCCU President and CEO Teresa Campbell said. "SDCCU is proud to bring the community together to support this vital community organization and make a real difference in the lives of people who need blood."

Eligible donors must be age 17 or older, at least 114 pounds and in general good health. The blood bank advises that donors eat a hardy meal and stay hydrated before donating. Prospective donors are also required to show picture identification before donating.

Residents are advised to schedule an appointment to donate blood, but it is not required.

Prospective donors can schedule an appointment and find donation center locations at www.sandiegobloodbank.org/holidaybowl or by calling 800-469- 7322.

The blood drive is from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at SDCCU Stadium at 9449 Friars Road in Mission Valley. The event is in Parking Lot Section A-B.

Parking is free for donors, who receive a pair of tickets to the Holiday Bowl Dec. 27 at SDCCU Stadium. Donors also have an opportunity to enter a chance to spend 30 seconds and grab up to $500 in the SDCCU Cash Cube.

– By City News Service; Kristina Houck/Patch contributed to this report.