Blood Bank Promotion Encourages Donations During Holidays

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 blood supplies up over the challenging holiday season.

The “Make Spirits Bright” promotion will distribute 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 West Oahu are listed below. To make an appointment or discuss eligibility, call 848-4770.

* Dec. 18 – 7 to 10:45 a.m. at Tesoro Hawaii Corp., 91-325 Komohana St., and Hawaii Modular Space 12:45 to 3 p.m. at 91-282 Kalaeloa St., both in Kapolei

* Dec. 19 – 7:15 to 11:30 a.m. at Bank of Hawaii Kapolei; and 7:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the Kakuhihewa Building (DAGS), 601 Kamokila Ave.

* Dec. 23 – 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Waikele Shopping Center

* Dec. 24 – 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Ewa Beach Elementary School

* Dec. 29 – 7:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. at Kapolei Shopping Center

* Dec. 30 – 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ewa Beach Elementary School

* Dec. 31 – 7:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Waikele Shopping Center.

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