Submitted by Bloodworks Northwest.

Thanksgiving marked the beginning of the holiday season, when the number of donors visiting centers and mobile drives typically declines by 15 to 20 percent with high schools and colleges on break, people traveling, family gathering and other activities.

Bloodworks Northwest counts on the communities they support to help. When it comes to patient needs, there’s no such thing as a vacation. The demand for blood is ongoing to support the daily needs of local patients. People undergo surgeries and organ transplants. Emergency rooms treat traumatic injuries, and many people receive ongoing blood components for cancer treatment. And recent tragedies underscore the fact that having blood already on the shelves is essential when unforeseeable emergencies happen.

As we enter the holiday season of giving, what better way to honor that spirit than by saving lives? Consider giving at our upcoming blood drive.

San Juan Island: Wednesday, Dec. 19, noon–6 p.m., Mullis Community Senior Center.

Orcas Island: Thursday, Dec. 20, 11 am.–5 p.m., Eastsound Fire Department.

Lopez Island: Friday, Dec. 21, 11 am.–5 p.m. (closed 1:30-2:30 p.m.), Community Church in the Village.

Contact Sasha Seiden to schedule an appointment or with any questions at sashas@bloodworksnw.org or 360-527-3651.