Blood donations sought for holidays

Bloodworks Northwest is asking people to stay in the giving spirit this holiday season by donating blood and platelets.

Blood donations typically dip during the holidays, with donors on vacation and schools closed, but the need never goes away. Bloodworks Northwest is urging regular and first-time donors to make an appointment to help meet the holiday need. Type O blood donors are especially needed, but donors of all types are welcome.

“The holiday season is known as a season of giving, and what better way to honor that spirit than by scheduling just one hour to save lives,” said Clint Kendrick, senior director of donor services, in a news release.

All donation centers will be serving fresh holiday cookies and hot cocoa through the end of the year. The Vancouver Donor Center, 9320 N.E. Vancouver Mall Drive, Suite 100, is open Tuesday through Saturday.

Here are blood and platelet donation hours at the local center:

• 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday.

• 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday.

• 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday.

• 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday.

• 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. To schedule an appointment, go to the Bloodworks website, schedule.bloodworksnw.org, or call 800-398-7888.

Bloodworks Northwest supplies blood for more than 90 hospitals throughout Washington, Oregon and Alaska, including to both Vancouver hospitals.