The holidays are upon us. A time to gather with family and friends. A time to look back at what we have accomplished through the year and to make resolutions for the next. However, the holidays have always been a time for blood shortages and blood usage increases nation wide.

In order to keep up with increasing blood usage, Avoyelles Parish has held a Holiday Blood Drive for the past 8 years in Marksville La. “With the support and efforts of many local businesses and individuals, The Avoyelles Parish Holiday Blood Drive has become one of the biggest blood drives in the state of Louisiana, the best being in 2008, where 333 units of blood were drawn to help patients in need during the most critical time of the year.”, said Josh Sauseda, Donor Recruiter.

LifeShare Blood Centers, Bunkie General Hospital and Avoyelles Hospital would like to invite everyone to the “9th Annual Avoyelles Parish Holiday Blood Drive”. This event will be held on Friday, December 11th from 6am to 6pm across from Sonic (Hwy 1) in Marksville.

“I am confident that this Parish will come together again and make sure that our community has a safe and adequate blood supply during these tough times.” LifeShare Blood Centers currently distributes over 600 units of blood per day, serving over 150 hospitals state wide.

Everyone who donates blood this year will be registered for a lot of great giveaways including; a 42’’ Flat Screen Plasma TV, a pair of tickets to the New Orleans Saints game on December 27th , digital cameras, Mp3 players, a gas grill, $300 in gift cards, gas cards and more!!!! Also the first 200 donors will receive a limited edition black and gold “Drew Dat” T-Shirt. Everyone can enjoy a rock climbing wall by the La National Guard, Music and Free Food as well.

Join us on Friday December 11th at the 9th Annual Avoyelles Parish Holiday Blood Drive to help those in need and donate blood. It is the gift that will last a lifetime.

Sponsored by;

Bunkie General Hospital

Avoyelles Hospital

Nay’s Daycare

Paragon Casino Resort

Cottonport Bank

Fresh Catch

Nanny’s Restaurant

Wal Mart Marksville

La National Guard

Potential donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, feel well and healthy at the time of donation, and eat a well-balanced meal with increased fluid intake prior to donation, know the names and doses of any medications taken, and the reasons for taking the medications. Identification must be presented at the time of donation.