Blood Gift Can Brighten Spirits

Hawaii Blood Bank has free treats for anyone who gives a whole-blood donation between Dec. 24 and Jan. 2 – just to emphasize the importance of keeping up blood supplies over the challenging season.

The “Make Spirits Bright” promotion will give out coupons for a complimentary bag of Tropical Fruit Bars from The Cookie Corner. “We hope the promotion will heighten awareness of the need for blood among non-donors and inspire people to give the gift of life this holiday season,” said blood bank vice president Wendy Abe. (In Hawaii, only 2 percent of the eligible population donates blood.)

Upcoming drives in Windward Oahu are listed below. To make an appointment or discuss eligibility, call 848-4770.

* Dec. 15 and 22 – 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kaneohe Bay Shopping Center near Safeway

* Dec. 22 – 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Laie Shopping Center

* Dec. 30 – 7 a.m. to 1:45 p.m at Kailua Town Center

* Dec. 31 – 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Castle Medical Center auditorium.

Donors also may give blood at the two Honolulu blood bank sites, or visit bbh.org for the complete schedule islandwide.