Give Blood, Get A Gift Card Near Banning: Find A Drive Near You

BANNING, CA — Are you willing to donate blood?

The American Red Cross announced new incentives for Banning and Beaumont residents who give the gift of blood up until Nov. 16.

"The American Red Cross urges donors to give blood or platelets now to help curb a drop in donor turnout this fall," Spokesperson Christine Welch said. "Donors of all blood types and those giving platelets are asked to book a time to donate at a Red Cross blood donation center or community blood drive to help give hospitals the tools they need to care for patients ahead of the holidays."

To incentivize residents to donate, residents who come to give blood between Oct. 27 and Nov. 16 will receive a $10 e-gift card, plus a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards.

Here are the upcoming blood drives near Banning:

• Saturday, Oct. 25; Monday, Oct. 27; Tuesday, Oct. 28 - Riverside CA Blood Donation Center
• Wednesday, Oct. 29 - Simpson Strong-Tie

For the full list of blood drives near you, visit the American Red Cross' website.

Why donate blood?

Some 6.8 million donate blood each year, according to the American Red Cross. That amounts to an estimated 13.6 million units of whole blood collected annually. The Red Cross supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood and blood components, which help patients undergoing surgery, cancer treatment or transfusions due to traumatic injuries.