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

MURRIETA, CA — Are you willing to donate blood?

The American Red Cross announced new incentives for Murrieta 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 in and around Murrieta:

• Monday, Oct. 27 - Christ the King Lutheran Church
• Tuesday, Oct. 28 - Lake Elsinore Wildomar Elks Lodge
• Tuesday, Oct. 28 - Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Menifee
• Sunday, Nov. 2 - Summerly Community in Lake Elsinore
• Friday, Nov. 7 - Rancho Springs Hospital in Murrieta
• Wednesday, Nov. 12 - Bread of Life Fellowship in Lake Elsinore

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.