Warm hearts on a cold day

By Tom Petersen

Give the gift of life this holiday season! Donate blood in Richmond Beach this Saturday!

Come sleet or snow, Tom Petersen will donate blood on Saturday

The Puget Sound Blood Center's mobile unit will be in front of the Fire Safety Center at the corner of Richmond Beach Road and 20th Ave NW from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 17, 2011.

Appointments can be made online or by calling 800-398-7888, but walk-ups are welcome all day.

Blood supplies often fall during the holidays, so having lots of donors is critical. Most healthy adults over 110 pounds are eligible. Donating blood is safe and takes just 45 minutes, from computerized sign-in to cookies and juice and the "I gave" sticker.

The Richmond Beach drives have a reputation for being jovial events, with neighbors enjoying each other's company and the staff's jocularity. Do a good thing this weekend and join the fun!