Volunteer Blood Donors Needed to Meet
Hospital Demand As Holiday Season Begins!

November 21 & 23

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Volunteer blood and platelet donors are being asked to take time out of their busy holiday schedules to donate at a Community Blood Services� donor center in New Jersey during Thanksgiving week to help ensure there is an adequate supply on the shelves for the patients who need it.

As a thank you, donors who give the gift of life on Wednesday, November 21 or Friday, November 23 will receive a Stop & Shop gift card. The blood center is closed on Thanksgiving Day.

"Thanksgiving traditionally marks the beginning of the holiday season, resulting in a decrease in collections due to holiday vacations, donors traveling to see family, and school closings," said Karen Ferriday, community affairs director. "We hope donors will find time to schedule an appointment to donate during the holiday week so we can ensure we have an adequate supply of blood to meet the needs of the more than 15 hospitals we serve."

All blood types and products are needed, especially O negative, AB and O male plasma, as well as platelets. The blood supply is expected to start dipping as the holidays get closer.

Donors can donate on Wednesday, November 21 or Friday, November 23 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Paramus donor center, 970 Linwood Avenue West or on Wednesday at the Lincoln Park donor center, 63 Beaverbrook Road, Suite 304 from 12 noon to 7:30 p.m. Call 201-251-3703 or visit www.communitybloodservices.com for hours of operation and to make an appointment to donate. Whole blood donors must be in general good health, 17-75 years old (16 with parental permission) and weigh at least 110 pounds. Donors will receive complimentary health screenings, including non-fasting cholesterol and glucose health screenings, when they donate.