Blood donors needed Saturday

Holiday Staycation? Come down to Richmond Beach!

By Tom Petersen

The Bloodworks Northwest air-conditioned mobile unit will be in front of the Shoreline Fire Safety Center at the corner of Richmond Beach Road and 20th NW this Saturday, July 1st, from 10am to 4pm.

Summertime and holiday weekends deplete the nation's blood supply, with lower blood drive turnouts hitting at the same time as increased blood needs.

Robust drives in places like Richmond Beach will not only save lives locally, but will provide relief to parts of the country where supplies fall so low as to create "blood emergencies."

"Maxing out" the mobile unit --- 30 donors --- is the goal.

Signing up for an appointment is recommended. Going to BloodworksNW, searching Drives, and checking zip code 98177 starts the quick and easy process for new and returning donors.

If a particular time is shown as "full," though, it is still possible to walk up and get in, at that time or any other.

Returning donors are encouraged to bring a friend. New donors are welcome and needed. Young donors between ages 16 and 18 are eligible with parental consent, and Shorewood High students earn an hour of Volunteer Credit if they donate.

As always, Bloodworks's cooperating business, D'z Barbershop, is offering its famous "Clip and Drip Special:" Get a haircut at the regular price, go donate blood for free.