Ventura – United Blood Services needs to collect over 3,000 pints of blood before the Memorial Day weekend, in order to ensure a steady and ample supply. ­­­Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer for the Blood Bank, when donations unfortunately decrease just as the demand increases. In an effort to keep a ready supply, United Blood Services has teamed up with Domino’s Pizza to issue a 3000 Pint Challenge. As a special way of saying thank you, Domino’s Pizza will give a certificate for a Free Full Size One-topping Pizza to each volunteer blood donor.

The Memorial Day holiday means that the difficult summer season has arrived. Here at the blood bank the summer months mean one thing – not enough blood donors to keep supplies at an adequate and steady level. Students are not available to give and families go on vacation instead. There are a hundred reasons why people can’t seem to give over the summer, but we’ve got 270 reasons each day why we need them. We can only help people if there is blood on the shelves. When someone needs blood, they’re counting on it being available. That means we need 270 people to roll-up their sleeves for us each day, regardless of the season. We’re asking you to give before you go on vacation, we can’t do it without you. If you’re over 17, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in good health, you may be eligible to donate.

Donations may be made Monday through Friday at the UBS Center in Ventura at 1756 Eastman at the corner of Market; Mondays and Wednesdays in Camarillo at 2105 Pickwick across from the Post Office; and Tuesdays and Thursdays in Thousand Oaks in the North Star Plaza at 1321 Thousand Oaks Blvd, near Roxy’s Deli. There are also a number of drives happening throughout the region. Donors are asked to call the United Blood Services at 1-800-715-3699 to make an appointment or go online to www.unitedbloodservices.org. Appointments are appreciated, but not necessary. Walk-ins are also welcome.